Developing my first typeface (university assignment)

[Flay]

I’m currently working on my first typeface, for a university assignment. The brief states that we’re to ’design and name a new and original DISPLAY font / typeface... [which] can be produced in either lowercase or uppercase (or both) and should also include the design of punctuation and numerals.’ The emphasis is on hand generating sketches and process, and typographic detailing. The inspiration I’m drawing upon is the art of the Haida native Canadian culture.

These are some development sketches, linked for hueg.

http://i33.tinypic.com/1zly8gp.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2ew0eoi.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/6rnh47.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2gtdt3d.jpg



And this is basically what I'm up to at the moment...





I desperately need criticism, so if anyone has ANYTHING to say I’d love to hear it.

[NickT]

Overall I really like this Flay, I like the non-conventional characters.

A couple of things I would say.

Not sure about the Black/Grey difference between some letters
Not sure the 'M' fits well.
The Dots in some of the holes seem very small - would they even exist at say, 7pt?
And, I guess my main criticism would be, where would I use this type?

[TimeBombTown]

Not really a critique, but the first thing that jumped out at me: your "O" looks like the Death Star.

[NTLemon]

Originally Posted by NickT

And, I guess my main criticism would be, where would I use this type?

In an article about Haida native Canadian culture? It also has a bit of an alien vibe to it.



I like the design a lot. I agree with the comments about the m, it doesn't flow quite right. The J looks almost too similar to the U also.

Also to respond to the previous poster I don't think the size of the dots will matter so much that small I doubt this typeface would be used at 7pt in the first place, but I do agree they might need to be enlarged a little simply as a matter of proportion.

[Flay]

Originally Posted by NickT

Not sure about the Black/Grey difference between some letters

Eheh... That's a result of poor scanning, it won't be in the final typeface.

Originally Posted by TimeBombTown

Not really a critique, but the first thing that jumped out at me: your "O" looks like the Death Star.

I noticed that too, but my tutor seems to like it so I guess I'll keep it.


Thanks for the help guys! I'm really very unconfident with Typography, so I hope I can do at least one thing right for once.

[martyng]

looking good, needs some tweaking though. You're 'C' looks a bit like a 'T' and as was said, the 'M' isn't really working.

[budafist]

I agree that it does feel a bit spacey/alien like. Also reminds me of hieroglyphics because the dots in the counters remind me of eyes I guess.

I like the overall feeling of this, but I can't think of a time I would use it.

As a font for say, a Haida culture festival, it would be stunning.

[Dr.McNinja]

Death star font. I like.

If it is released, thats the only reason ill be getting it - instant death stars!!

It feels:
- Alien
- Egyptian
- Sci-fi
- Mysterious

I really like it and would probably use it somewhere. Explantion:
Egyptian because of the eyes. The horizontal lines remind me of sci-fi installations and futuristic design in general. The eyes and lines combined as it is, also looks alien-ish and also mysterious.

You could up the creepiness of it by making eyes look in all different directions :P They all seem to be looking up at something.

Great work, i love it.

[martyng]

doh I said 'you're' when I meant 'your'. I fail

[Dr.McNinja]

I think its more amusing when people write you're instead of your because it sounds like overcompensation..