Brief
This project aims to design two related publications. First a book Twenty Typefaces, then the ‘collectable’ twentieth type specimen that features and classifies one contemporary typeface family that has been released in the last decade. This will be the twentieth typeface in your book. You will curate 19 typefaces out of 40 possible typeface choices. You will choose how to order/sort the typeface selection, as it is not prescriptive.
Book:
The objective of this project is to examine the specific design requirements of book design. It will explore how grid systems are used to organise large amounts of content. Typographic hierarchies aim to aid readability and make information accessible.
Specimen:
This project aims to make pragmatic information (typeface features, history, etcetera) expressive, accessible and graphically interesting through the manipulation of text, composition, colour and graphic elements.
The book seamlessly blends a whimsical and lighthearted aesthetic in its cover design, creating a visual connection to the comic-inspired type specimen that it contains. Simultaneously, it achieves a harmonious balance of sophistication through the use of an elegant color palette.
The type specimen booklet, inspired by a comic style, showcases the Inkwell typeface. Comics tend to utilise hand-lettering text to convey dialogue, sound effects and other textual elements within the panels. The Inkwell typeface aims to recreate that hand-lettered feel digitally, which works perfectly to incorporate a nostalgic or retro comic book style. The typeface features irregular letterforms, varying stroke widths, and a slightly rough texture, resembling the imperfect and organic appearance of inked lettering.
To further highlight the authentic quality of the Inkwell typeface, the booklet features select illustrations by Edward Gorey, a celebrated author and artist whose distinctive handwriting served as an inspiration for certain members of the Inkwell font family. The colours are limited to black and white to maintain the retro comic book style. This deliberate choice accentuates the timeless appeal associated with this genre. Each typeface within the Inkwell family is showcased on its own dedicated page, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of alternative character options, ligatures, and stylistic variations, demonstrating the versatility and authenticity of the typeface.
