9Jun
Type masterclass with Tobias Frere-Jones
Whether designing for web or designing for print - typeface selection is paramount to readability and personality.
So when the master of modern type, Tobias Frere-Jones, swept into Melbourne this month for agIdeas I leapt (parachute in hand) to share a day developing a typeface and to grasp all I could from The Master.
The task:
Using a Cap “R” as seed character. The DNA of a typeface is born.
The methodology:
Chaos often rules control. With a seed established - now’s the time to explore creative development of the typeface using the simple structure of the upright, diagonal and the round (found within the seed character capital R).
The sweat:
Damn… I’m on the Adobe® tools and surrounded by the type-elite. Be cool, be fluid… remember to breathe, you know your stuff! Anyways it’s only a typeface. It’s only 26 characters (kinda). It’s only Tobias. It’s only the eyes of the Design World who will forever judge the outcome.
The outcome:
Too much for a single day by anyone’s standards. As the sun set of the Masterclass the Upper-Case forms of my typeface is forged - and its name “Phoenecia” is born. Characters are anchored by strong slabs and then characterised by bulbous and cheery curves to liven their personality.

Phoenecia in development

Phoenecia in development
Related links:
Embrace the limitations of type on the web. Read article
Tobias Frere-Jones

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