Illustrator Typeface Development

Illustrator Typeface Development 

I changed the Z to match the concept of symmetry and a mirror point, i copied and pasted, rotated and replaced the top serif with the bottom serif. This creates a more structured, sturdy outcome and emulates symmetry concept more.

Before

I began by creating X Y Z, these follow obvious anatomical manipulations but still maintain consistency. So this has give me confidence the idea will work on most letterforms and they will still work as a set. The same method used with copying the serifs was used in the X.

When this splice was applied to the F and E they both represented the same outcome, so this problem needed to be sorted to avoid confusion.

The same applied for the D, so the serif will be added into points to create a more distinguished glyph as presented in the E. 

I underwent certain constraints in a sense were there wasn't a visual axis point i could use for mirroring the serifs. I erased the left hand stem to create a similar feel, it worked but looked a little too forced in a sense that the crossbar felt out of place.

I removed the cross bar and this worked well. It still represents an A and the serif feels like it is been reflected from a vertical invisible axis through the the centre of the apex. 

Created symmetry and mirror with serif points by squaring bottom off to match with top. 

Much more symmetrical outcome ready for splicing. 

Subconsciously adapted splice point idea into the concept which flows well with the axis mirror point idea. I like that this angular 'cut' or 'splice' has come into it, its nice to collaborate 2 of my favorite ideas into one overall concept and helps strengthen the overall feeling of splicing and mirroring elements within the typeface.

After discussion with a fellow student I thought of changing the axis/mirror point were necessary and were it fits(crossbar, diagonal stroke etc). Instead of creating the effect seen above the below element emulates the feeling of symmetry better. The F above has a nice feel too it but legibility is an issue it could also be an E so i will create better legibly and a flowing concept by applying the below to the sequence of letterforms.

Adding an angled splice like previous letterforms has a better appearance and keeps the 45 degree angle splice seen throughout in sequence. This 45 degree splice can be seen through letterform mirror points as well as splices and cut offs. 

Duplicated the right hand serif of the T crossbar to create a better feeling of symmetry before splicing the mirror point out. I added a section of crossbar in myself using the shape tool and unite pathfinder tool. The same technique of mirroring elements was used on the U and N too. 

Example of typeface in a 4x7 grid with Garamond Symmetry used as a footer to put the typeface into contest. Readability is good once letters are placed into context. 

This T is an adaptation of the above wich will be used in the final printing, it maintains better structure by adding a section of the stroke in as compared to before were it felt a little like it was floating and wasn't really distinguishable as a T.