Typeface Posters |
Historical Type Studies
Every typeface has its history, personality, and slight differences. The objective of this project was to highlight the individuality of each one and create posters based on their unique history. To purely demonstrate their visual identity, I limited the design framework strictly to the anatomical characteristics of the typefaces themselves. These posters are designed for typography enthusiasts, packaged alongside double-sided informational index cards.
Original Concept |
This project started off as a single typeface poster I designed in my first year of college. At first, I thought I was limited to the typeface’s letters, but I kept the constraint as a personal challenge. Drawing from Sabon’s roots in Claude Garamond’s 16th-century typefaces, I shaped the design’s aesthetic around that era.
Expanding The Project |
A year after creating the original poster, I revisited the project with a refined skill set and fresh perspective. When expanding the series under tight timeline constraints, I strategically focused on two high-impact posters supported by extra visual assets.
Rather than relying solely on modern font revivals, I researched the foundational typefaces each font was originally based on. I then drew design inspiration directly from the eras of those original historical source fonts to inform the grid, color, and mood of each poster.
Sabon |
Historical Inspiration: Rooted in classic Renaissance typography, emphasizing the organic elegance and clarity of early French punch-cutting styles.
Visual Direction: Draws from textures of historical oil paintings and the ornate structures of early bookmaking to reflect traditional craftsmanship.
Rotunda Veneta |
Historical Inspiration: Rooted in 14th-century Italian manuscript hands and rounded blackletter scripts.
Visual Direction: Heavily pulls from medieval illuminated manuscripts and architectural arches to ground the calligraphic layout.
Archived Explorations |
Final Deliverables |
This final phase translates historical research into functional, modern deliverables, pairing full-scale promotional posters with physical reference guides detailing each typeface's history.
