XYZ Type's approach to custom typography involves combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create unique and distinctive fonts. By focusing on materiality, tactile experience, and cultural significance, the studio crafts typefaces that are as much about storytelling as they are about visual aesthetics.
In the world of graphic design, typography plays a crucial role in establishing a brand's identity. A well-designed typeface can evoke emotions, convey messages, and create a lasting impression on audiences. At XYZ Type, a digital foundry based in St. Louis and New York, the designers are passionate about creating "useful, quietly upbeat fonts" that reflect their clients' unique design studios and practices.
One such typeface is Polymode Sans, a variable font designed specifically for XYZ Type's sister studio, Polymode. The process of crafting this typeface involved collaboration between Ben Kiel and Jesse Ragan, two designers who have worked together at the foundry to create many custom typefaces. Their goal was to design a typeface that not only reflected Polymode's graphic identity but also adapted to their ever-evolving brand practice.
To achieve this, the designers employed a range of techniques, from traditional typographic analysis to experimental approaches. They began by analyzing Polymode's existing typography, identifying key elements such as letterforms, spacing, and word choice. Next, they experimented with different font styles, weights, and widths to find the perfect balance between legibility and visual appeal.
One of the most innovative aspects of Polymode Sans is its variable font design. By incorporating variables in the font's design, the designers created a typeface that can be customized to fit different contexts and styles. This approach allows users to tweak and kern the font to suit their specific needs, making it an incredibly versatile tool for graphic designers.
The variable font was designed using advanced software tools, which enabled the designers to create complex relationships between characters and weights. By doing so, they were able to craft a typeface that not only adapts to different contexts but also enhances the overall visual flow of text-based designs.
So, what can we learn from the design process behind Polymode Sans? Firstly, it highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between designers. By working together with Ben Kiel and Jesse Ragan, we gain insight into their design philosophy and approach to typography.
Secondly, the project showcases the power of experimental approaches in typography. By embracing new techniques and tools, designers can push the boundaries of what is possible in typeface design.
Lastly, Polymode Sans demonstrates the value of variable font design in modern graphic design. By incorporating variables into their design, the designers have created a typeface that is both highly customizable and visually appealing.
The rise of digital foundries like XYZ Type has opened up new opportunities for designers to collaborate on typography projects. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative approaches to typeface design.
In the coming years, it will be exciting to see how designers continue to push the boundaries of typography, experimenting with new techniques and tools to create unique and effective typefaces that reflect their clients' identities and practices.
