Modular Typeface

Categories:

Typeface Design

Brief:

A module is a fixed element used within a larger system or structure, and a modular typeface is a typeface created out of said modules. In this case, I used four modules to design a typeface of every single letter in the alphabet (plus numbers and the major punctuation characters).

Process:

Initially, I knew this project would result in funky-looking, abstract letterforms, (and personally love quirky display typefaces—if they’re used correctly) so I decided that to ensure consistency and readability, I would use the most geometric, basic modules I could think of—I created a 4×4 grid and set my four modules as two semi-circles, half of a triangle, and a square. By keeping these modules at a consistent size and using multiplication (gasp, math!), I was able to create a legible and clean typeface. I sketched out some of the trickier letterforms on the 16×16 grid I created and then brought my ideas into Illustrator and fleshed the typeface out. After creating the initial alphabet, I decided to go ahead and create numerals and punctuation. My main mission for this project was to create a typeface that was both readable and fun, and you should check out my National Parks Poster to decide for yourself if this typeface fits that bill.

Check out the poster I designed using this typeface here