With the development of technology, custom fonts entered the graphic design landscape and are being used to support brand identities. Fonts have special characteristics that communicate different messages and can be designed to suit any brief. It was requested we customise a font from a historic specimen in order to develop an understanding of typography and communicate a particular message.
GOALS
- Find a sample of old typography
- Create a contemporary typeface based on the sample
- The font must reflect a modernised version of a traditional or historic font
- Convey a story that links back to the heritage of the type specimen
- Find a sample of old typography
- Create a contemporary typeface based on the sample
- The font must reflect a modernised version of a traditional or historic font
- Convey a story that links back to the heritage of the type specimen
SOLUTION
Concept: New Age Typeface
‘Coven’ was inspired by the new age movement and in particular Witchcraft and Wiccan theology. The concept was to reflect a ‘Contemporary Witches’ hand guide which also reflected the process I went through with designing the font based on a genuine Art Nouveau book cover. ‘Wicca’ is a worship that is based on a deep appreciation for the earth, Gods and Goddesses of the religion. This correlates with the artistic style featured in Art Nouveau. The floral decoration and Goddess imagery is where the link between Wicca and Art Nouveau is made. To meet the brief, a contemporary font was achieved through condensed letterform structures and high x-heights with large counter-spaces. The higher cross bars in the uppercase letterforms are similar to the typographic styles feature in Wicca and Art Nouveau. The use of geometry and slanted bowls in the lowercase letterforms is also reflective of Art Nouveau in particular. The ‘sharp serif’ nature of the font adds edginess linking back to this ‘New Age’ concept.
Concept: New Age Typeface
‘Coven’ was inspired by the new age movement and in particular Witchcraft and Wiccan theology. The concept was to reflect a ‘Contemporary Witches’ hand guide which also reflected the process I went through with designing the font based on a genuine Art Nouveau book cover. ‘Wicca’ is a worship that is based on a deep appreciation for the earth, Gods and Goddesses of the religion. This correlates with the artistic style featured in Art Nouveau. The floral decoration and Goddess imagery is where the link between Wicca and Art Nouveau is made. To meet the brief, a contemporary font was achieved through condensed letterform structures and high x-heights with large counter-spaces. The higher cross bars in the uppercase letterforms are similar to the typographic styles feature in Wicca and Art Nouveau. The use of geometry and slanted bowls in the lowercase letterforms is also reflective of Art Nouveau in particular. The ‘sharp serif’ nature of the font adds edginess linking back to this ‘New Age’ concept.
CUSTOM TYPOGRAPHY | PRINT DESIGN
