Studio Brief 2 - Uppercase

OUGD403 - Visual Thinking - Vector Type

Uppercase

With the successful creation of my very own grid (full information found here: Grids) I could move forward with the brief and start to physically make my typeface. Having acquired the relevant skills in Adobe Illustrator though a series of progressive illustrator workshops, I felt confident in my ability to create a sequential range of letterforms from A-Z in order to produce my very own typeface. 

The method to which I created my typeface was relatively simple thanks to a technique I learnt from the IT specialist. When discussing with him how I would create my letterforms he showed me how I could transform the letterform into a shape. From this I could then delete the anchor points that were not needed in order to create the letterform that fitted my initial concept. This worked extremely well as by using Futura as the base I could rely on the curves being symmetrical and the lines being perfectly straight. I could then move these anchor points to fit the grid and make the letterform look aesthetically pleasing, an example of this can be found below. 

Standard Futura letterform

Edited with no fill and black outline

Converted text object to shape

Converted text object to shape continued

Deleted irrelevant anchor points 

Deleted irrelevant anchor points continued

Added 2 point stroke and curved corners for emphasis

I then continued this process with the remainder of the letterforms which worked well for the majority of the letter with a few exceptions such as 'S' which needed new curved lines specially added for my chosen concept to work, this was extremely difficult to ensure the line followed the traditional curve without looking unprofessional and wobbly. Unfortunately I was so engaged within the process and acquiring a high quality result, I forgot to take screenshots of this alternative process that was required. 

I feel I ended up with an extremely professional result. My typeface looks clean and minimal with a professional undertone that I think reflects my assigned word; Empty and is still reminiscent of its origins in Futura. Each letterform has been individually considered so create a bespoke minimal authenticity that is not forced or rushed. They also work extremely well as set, they look in sync with one another and create an overall unity.