p r a g u e . b l a g u e

Oops! (I did it again)

I recently submitted my display typeface as part of a scholarship portfolio (fingers crossed, please), so for some reason that I cannot explain, I thought that it would be a good idea to reformat my folio so that the presentation would appear more consistent in size and color. The results are below, and the unnatural joy that I've experienced by working with this typeface so many times has directed me to the possibility of completing an independent study in type design this fall semester. I would love to finish Restoration by resolving the awkwardness found in the 'Z' and other characters, design a set of accompanying diacritical marks, and try my best to introduce a lowercase alphabet. I often find myself browsing through the thousands of photos I took on our Prague trip, and there is so much inspiration for unique type design that I can't help but be intrigued by the seemingly endless options. It would be great to start developing a handful of distinctly different ideas and see what might be possible (and reasonable) for the future. My major focus would be digitizing historical and/or hand-drawn typography, to "restore" those examples, if you will. Please excuse my cheesiness. I'm just happy because I started work this week.

Love,
Jay Jay

P.S. I miss you guys.

new folio jaunt

After taking into consideration the fact that I had, once again (no surprises here), done the wrong project, I began redesigning the presentation folio for the display typeface Restoration. The images here are presented as single sheets, but the final format for the folio would still be a booklet. The expressive poster can be found in a pocket in the back of the booklet. I am still working on the design for the final spread, which includes references to the typeface's inspiration as well as some process work from my sketchbook and grid paper drawings. This will have to become one of my summer projects, so for now, here are the updated alphabet display and type in words sheets as well as the expressive poster. Still getting there, but miraculously, I am still enthusiastic and excited about the type design project and hope to continue to resolve some of the lingering issues.

folio booklet

Front (r) and Back (l) Covers:

Spread 1: Alphabet with Numerals and Special Characters

Spread 2: Type Used in Context (in words)

Spread: Values, Recommendations & Inspiration

numerals and all

I already posted my revised alphabet. I know I know. The Department of Redundancy Department. But I thought it would be helpful to be able to view all of the letters, special characters, and numerals (new! yay!) together. Yeah? OK, folio, now it's time for you...

spanish synagogue

My mom and I got in touch with our Jewish heritage this weekend by visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Spanish Synagogue. Both were amazing, and the Synagogue had some interesting type handpainted on the stained glass windows. If I hadn't been so damn hungry I would have tried to draw the whole alphabet.

Here's what I managed to copy:

special characters & alternates

Here are revisions made to my first digitized alphabet. They include special characters that will be used to create patterns and to distinguish the 'O' in some instances by being placed inside of the letter. I am also introducing alternates for the 'M' and the 'W' because the 'M' had been such a source of reference and inspiration for the original idea and still maintains its character with the more refined direction. The major changes include:

- an attempt to create a more consistent eyeline between stroke breaks

- some set width changes (M, T, U)

- reduction in thickness at major connecting points between strokes

- slight exaggeration of features (C, G, D, A, H) so they may be more visible at smaller sizes

- structural changes of Q, T, Z, R, and K

I am pleased with the changes that have been made over the weekend and am looking forward to seeing how the revisions will affect the composition of words and phrases. Numerals to be posted early this week.

typeface inspiration

Our discussion today in type class about our folios got me to look back on what initially inspired my typeface. I hadn't really looked at these images in a while, and my typeface has really taken off in its own direction.

I started with a type specimen I found on a piece of religious art in an antique shop. I liked the extreme verticle proportions of the face, the way it fit together tightly, and I found the stacked letter combinations to be an interesting idea. I also felt that the "A" (if that is in fact an A) was extremely unique.

My second source of inspiration has been the cubist typefaces that originated in Prague. The following image is a hand sketch I made of a Voltech Preissig typeface produced in 1925. I enjoy that the evidence of the hand and the tool is still evident, but that it's been suplemented with additional angles and facets.

I added my own touches to my typeface. It has really been a result of me being in Prague for the past 11 weeks and taking in my visual surroundings. Though elements of my original inspirations are still present in the face, the prominent outward curves are an addition of my own. It still has a LONG way to go...the angles need to function more harmoniously, and I'm sure many letters will be drastically altered before next week. But here it is, in it's current state:

I look forward to seeing how things shake out.

Cubist Typeface

Here is the progression on my typeface since the last crit. I have tried to rework all of the problem letters. There is a new approach to the K, R, and X. I tweaked the W, M, B, and L.

laminated cat

revival digitized

The first digitized alphabet:

Some evidence of my process:

Revival in words: