DERIVING SYMBOLS, IMAGES AND FORMS FROM ENGLISH ALPHABETS FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

The usage of the English alphabet as a universal medium of communication is basically restricted to writing (written word) and speaking (spoken word). But the study revealed that the English alphabet has design potentials and possibilities inherent in them. However, an examination of the contemporary art space showed that these design potentials and possibilities have not been given adequate attention over time by artists particularly, graphic professionals. The study explored the use of the 26-letter English alphabet as a tool for achieving design concepts and the numerous facets of the human enterprise to which it can be subjected to. This study was an attempt at deriving graphic symbols, images and forms from the available English alphabet. The study particularly focused on how simple, complex and hybrid symbols, images and forms can be derived by systematically manipulating the letters of the English alphabet for creative purposes. The study employed the application of digital and multimedia equipment. More so, the direct or indirect relationship between traditional art, especially ethnic bodily markings and letters of the English alphabet also formed a significant aspect of the study. The findings of this study reveal that alphabetic evolution is not yet complete as new letter forms were being developed on daily basis, especially in the digital sphere. The main contribution of this explorative study is that as a result, the general appraisal of the English alphabet would no longer be restricted to writing and speaking alone, but will expand their utility value particularly in designing models that will become a catalyst for further creative concepts in the field of visual arts.