Hand-drawn type

Two of the briefs I am working on deal with type, some of which will eventually be hand rendered. The work below is published in the book Hand Job by Michael Perry; which featur
es a whole range of illustrators, mainly focused on typographic design. I have highlighted a few artists as they're work is informing and inspiring my own.

This piece by Andy Beach has a lot of variety within it, I think that it is mainly about experimentation and the exhibition of a range of styles of design. The amount of variety is amazing, and very diverse. The two colour design here helps to highlight the strength of the letterforms, it showcases them well.

This alphabet by Robin Cameron is so beautiful. The letterforms have a sold and strong form, but appear weightless and delicate at the same time. The letterforms are also very decorative and would only be suitable for large type, but that was probably the intention for this design. This alphabet has a very feminine feel, but doesn't feel to flimsy or soft.

This work is by Dan

Funderburgh. His illustration style is very clear, but decorative and animated. These pieces demonstrate his diversity, and the range of styles he uses. The primary use of two colour design makes the type very strong and imposing. It also helps to give it some personality.

I think it is important to note that this work isn't really for anything, it is decorative and nice to see, but has no context here.

This piece is by an illustration company called Human Empire. This design is interesting and quite strong - if a little odd. The way the letters are formed makes them look cut from paper, giving a handmade style to the overall piece.

This work is by Geoff McFetridge. The decorative type is very intricate and bold, which it an unlikely combination, but seems quite popular with hand-drawn type. The style here is clearly hand-drawn, which is engaging and emphasises its beauty.

This final piece is by Adam Hayes. This beautiful illustration style has created a strong and very imposing type design which doesn't feel invasive but light and wispy. It is a very intricate and so delicate - only suitable for very large type, otherwise the detail would be completely lost.

What I have learnt from this research:

1. Intricate and decorative type needs to be large to keep detail clear

2. Using two colour printing can highlight the shape and form of the type better than four colour designs.

3. Hand-rendered type can have a less handmade quality, but still look hand-crafted.

4. The style of type can help to evoke the emotion of the words written in it

5. Hand-drawn type has a huge, and probably infinite range, there is so much diversity to be explored.

All of these images were taken from:

Perry, M. (2007) Hand Job. Princeton Architectural Press; New York, USA