Create Own Typeface Final Iterations + Final

The version of Broke on the top was the more popular set up from the last critique.  So I moved from there, trying different iterations based off of the feedback that I received in class.  I tried out a new B that fit most of the style from version 1.  I created an O that was more in unison with the use of wood pieces and squared off without it being a circle forced into a square.  I ended up with only the original E being used from Version 1.

The text on the top was what I was reworking, trying to redraw out more smooth.  Once I had a set size and quality I was doing to work with color and style.  I started to try different weights to the K legs.

My first thought was to make the typeface look a lot more like wood.  So I tried using a variation of browns to outline and color in the typeface.  I thought that the individual pieces of wood were not standing out enough was my main problem with this one.

The main difference between this one and the last image is there is a black outline around all of the pieces of wood.  I still was not pleased with how this looked; I felt that it looked like too much was going on.

I wanted to see if more of a basic color scheme would be the best for the typeface.  So I stuck with just a dark black border, black nail heads, and light brown grains in the wood.  I felt that this was the most successful without being overpowering.

Final spread for the book that is to be created.  I didn't quite know what I wanted the large image to be on the page on the left.  I decided that it might be a good idea to do a zoom in on Broke from the right.  My thought was to bring emphasis to the imperfect and illustration of the typeface itself.  I named my typeface Amiss, because it is imperfect, not extremely symmetrical but has character.  I tilted the image to give it movement as well as bring emphasis to the harsh angles that the wood pieces make.

The Real Final Spread is below shown below.  The "OK" of the last layout was too much and it competed with my text on the other page, so I took the suggestion of a classmate to zoom in on one of the letters.  I chose the K for its interesting combination of wood planks and angles.

Through this project I learned more about much went into a single typeface, let alone a family.  I had heard before that years went into designing a typeface and type family, but did not really understand why it took so long.  But now I am starting to see why it takes such a long amount of time to make a typeface; there is quality and elegance in design when you give it the time that you need.  Yes, there are tons of typefaces uploaded to free websites of people just trying to get their name out or trying to be the first for some specific style.  But it is the typefaces that last longer than a style craze that are the true pieces of art to work with.  I learned just how difficult it is to make a typeface where the letters go together and are not forced together.  I ran into problems with although my letters all involved pieces of wood, angles were different or they were evoking a different feeling.  Type by hand is a very difficult thing to put together and as that is what mine was I cannot imagine having sat at a table for hours designing letters like type designers in the past have done.