Bodoni: A Typographic Study
Faculty Mentor
Sonja Durr
Presentation Type
Creative Work
Start Date
4-13-2026 4:30 PM
End Date
4-13-2026 6:30 PM
Location
Art Building
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Design
Abstract
This project explores the history and visual character of the Bodoni typeface through a mixed media typography piece. Originally designed by the Italian typographer Giambattista Bodoni in the late eighteenth century, Bodoni is known for its strong contrast between thick and thin strokes, vertical structure, and elegant serif forms. Because of these qualities, it became one of the most recognizable typefaces in the Modern style and continues to influence design today. For this project, I wanted to explore Bodoni in a way that felt more physical and expressive than a typical printed type specimen. Instead of only presenting information digitally, I created a large canvas piece where the letterforms themselves become part of the artwork. Bodoni letters were laser cut from acrylic and mounted onto the canvas so the type has depth and presence. To connect the visual design with research, across the canvas I layered paper displaying facts and historical notes about the typeface. These pieces were applied with Mod Podge to create a collage effect that blends typography with storytelling. The layered textures help communicate both the historical background of Bodoni and the timeless quality of the letterforms. Overall, the goal of this project was to make the history of Bodoni feel more tangible and engaging. By combining research with physical materials, the piece highlights the craftsmanship behind typography.
Recommended Citation
Whiteley, Peyton, "Bodoni: A Typographic Study" (2026). 2026 Symposium. 39.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/cw_2026/art_2026/39
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Bodoni: A Typographic Study
Art Building
This project explores the history and visual character of the Bodoni typeface through a mixed media typography piece. Originally designed by the Italian typographer Giambattista Bodoni in the late eighteenth century, Bodoni is known for its strong contrast between thick and thin strokes, vertical structure, and elegant serif forms. Because of these qualities, it became one of the most recognizable typefaces in the Modern style and continues to influence design today. For this project, I wanted to explore Bodoni in a way that felt more physical and expressive than a typical printed type specimen. Instead of only presenting information digitally, I created a large canvas piece where the letterforms themselves become part of the artwork. Bodoni letters were laser cut from acrylic and mounted onto the canvas so the type has depth and presence. To connect the visual design with research, across the canvas I layered paper displaying facts and historical notes about the typeface. These pieces were applied with Mod Podge to create a collage effect that blends typography with storytelling. The layered textures help communicate both the historical background of Bodoni and the timeless quality of the letterforms. Overall, the goal of this project was to make the history of Bodoni feel more tangible and engaging. By combining research with physical materials, the piece highlights the craftsmanship behind typography.
