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Rui Duan

Typography & Graphic Explorations

Client / context
Academic and Exploratory Work
Timeline
2017-2019
Role
Graphic Designer
Status
Delivered
Finished Futura specimen table of contents spread

At a glance

Selected academic studies in type specimens, illustrated letterforms, and graphic composition.

Collaboration
Independently developed the type specimen, illustrated letterforms, and graphic compositions across selected studies.
Status
Selected academic and exploratory craft.
Services
  • Typography
  • Editorial Layout
  • Letterform Illustration
  • Graphic Composition

Type specimen

The 16-page Futura booklet was refined through three versions. The final system simplifies crowded layouts, tightens alignment, limits the palette, and uses geometric forms to echo the typeface without competing with the specimen.

Futura layout refinement

Early Futura specimen spreads with denser layout treatments
Early spreads established the geometric direction but needed clearer hierarchy.
Before

Earlier composition

The earlier spread carried more competing elements, alignment issues, and a broader palette.

Final Futura alphabet and numeral specimen spread
The completed spread uses overlapping letterforms and a limited palette to present the Futura character set.
After

Final composition

The final spread reduces visual competition and gives type, spacing, and page structure a clearer rhythm.

Illustrated letterforms

Hand-drawn illustrated letterforms A through D
Individual letters explore botanical, anatomical, and figurative drawing.
Hand-drawn illustrated letterforms C through F
The studies balance legibility with detailed line illustration.

Geometric type compositions

Black and white geometric letter composition using the word doubt
Scale and rotation turn letterforms into a two-page graphic system.
Black and white abstract compositions built from geometric letters
Repeated letter shapes explore balance, spacing, and visual rhythm.

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