From Observation to Letterform: IUS VACD Students Reimagine Typography

The Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design (VACD) study program at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) recently showcased the creative outcomes of an engaging course activity titled “Finding Type,” developed within the Typography II course taught by Asst. Prof. Nejira Mulahmetović.

Through this assignment, students were invited to closely observe and reinterpret the world around them - both natural and built - in search of original letterforms. By identifying visual elements in nature, everyday objects, and architectural structures, they transformed their observations into typographic ideas, which were then digitally developed and refined using the theoretical foundations and practical skills acquired throughout the course.

The project offered students a unique opportunity to explore typography beyond conventional forms, encouraging them to think critically about shape, composition, and visual communication. In doing so, they demonstrated how design can emerge from careful observation, imagination, and the ability to see creative potential in the ordinary.

The process later moved from the digital into the physical realm. In a collaborative workshop setting, students produced printed letterforms and worked together to compose a unified sentence, combining individual artistic expression with collective problem-solving and teamwork. This transition from concept to tangible form added another important dimension to the learning experience, emphasizing the relationship between idea, process, and execution.

Under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Nejira Mulahmetović, the project reflected the VACD program’s ongoing commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, experimentation, and design excellence. It also highlighted the dedication, originality, and collaborative spirit of the students, whose work continues to demonstrate the dynamic and innovative nature of design education at IUS.

From observation to interpretation, and from concept to execution, “Finding Type” stands as a compelling example of how ideas take shape through design.