Brief 15 - Creating The Typeface

Now that all the characters have been completed, it is just a case of inputting them into the program I am using to turn the typeface from vectors into being useable.

I decided on using Glyphs as there is a free trial for it for 30 days, so it means I can do this on my mac instead of having to do it on one of the university ones. It means I can continue it on an evening and weekend and not have to sit in the studio doing it all day.

Its a very simple process of copying and pasting the vectors into their correct boxes.

The first thing I did was create all the variations that were needed. This is done through an option in the program that allows you to create all the settings for each variation, from the weight to the structure heights.

Getting the right heights is useful to do at the start as it means I will be able to place the letters exactly in the correct place, for example, if the heights aren't correct, I could have trouble placing a 'j' or 'p'.

It took a while to get these heights correct on all of the variations, but once I did, it makes everything much simpler.

It was just a case of inputting all the characters.

Something useful that the program has is a 'clean up paths' button, which will take away all the unnecessary points, creating a completely smooth shape. This was useful for some of the serifed letters which had more points than was needed.

Once I had input all the characters I tried typing in a few different words to see how the letters worked together.

I found a couple of immediate problems in the 'i' and 't'. The top of the 'i' and bar of the 't' were too high. I had originally designed it like this, however when placed next to the other letters, they looked a bit silly, so I moved these down to be in line, and instantly they looked much better. I changed this on all variations.

Another issue I found was with the 'f'. The crossbar for this was set at the same as the 't', and it just looked strange as well so I moved this down. I then changed this on all variations.

Following this, I typed out the basic alphabet in the boldest setting to see if there were any other issues with the letters, and make sure I had all the letters complete.

Overall I am pleased with the progress I have made to this point. It was quite a long task inputting all of the characters, but I knew that the creating of the typeface would be quite dry and long as a task. I think all the variations work well and I look forward to this being useable in the end.