Typeface Design – making ideas work
By London sign writer Nick Garrett
Typeface design is something top signwriters pull up every stroke of the day. Each curve struck by custom made chisel edged signwriters brush, follows a memorised pattern or cutting in profile. For example Helvetica has a completely different DNA to Franklin Gothic, Univers and Gill sans. An experienced writer holds this programmed information and differentiation like a digital plotter.
Recently I was asked by a leading brand to write a shop fascia using a font with a loose Victorian poster hand... with a modern twist! Whattha!!!
I knew exactly what was needed… but while I was writing this wibbly font (or peotica sans as I termed it), my subconscious was going nuts! Protesting on my left hemisphere while my right forged this subtle but beautifully bad logo!
Below: the wibbly font which drove me nuts writing! Look at the rough ‘S’ …looks great ensemble!
But adding flair and eccentricity is what is required today as clients seek out the hottest brand ID… the rules are changing and rules are often out of the window.
Below: recent brand logos, buttons and banners by Nick Garrett, NGS
Classical Logo design is still a crucial skill for me as it focuses a host of useful typographic and creative skills: technical thinking and creativity combined.
Inspiration breeds success if held to client brief.
It is the difference between being a traditional sign-writer and a top notch sign pro.
Nick Garrett
NGS
Above: Gill sans with some optional extras …
The Magic of Vintage Block Lettering: Sans Serifs
Gill Sans is a tremendous English font based entirely on the classical structure of Roman serif. Ingenious sans serif borrowing from rich Latin origins.
We are a clever lot… those Romans….
Blockies to look out for:
- Franklin Gothic Bold
- Gills Sans
- Univers
- Swiss
Hope you like your hatchling NGS sign concept… think about it and get in touch
NGS
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