The project intended to create a new typeface based on one of the classics, Futura Std (extra bold condensed). After understanding Futura's historical context/ intent, distinguishing features, personality, and general structure, the new typeface called Futurova was created to contrast and harmony with Futura. The name Futurova is a combination of Futura+nova (new).
Contrasting Futura's clean, sans-serif, geometric shapes with even stroke widths, Futurova's physical characteristics are serif, high contrast/modern, humanist, and rounded. Some of its personality attributes are lively, friendly, and vibrant. If Futurova were a person, its occupation would be a kindergarten teacher.
For a more detailed process of how Futurova was developed, click this dropmark link!
(above) The name of the new typeface 'Futurova' over a metaphorical image. It emphasizes its personality attributes of lively, friendly, and vibrant.
(below photo grid) It's a photo grid with iterations of the analog letterform development process. The first attempt was based on Futura Std regular. After a few trials, Futura Std extra bold condensed font was used.
(photo grid and image above) The digital process. The process started with Adobe Illustrator. While maintaining the shape of the original font as much as possible, Futurova was developed. To be consistent, building blocks were made which is shown in the second image. After all letterforms were built in Illustrator, it was transferred to Glyphs. Futurova was downloaded and printed to compare to the original typeface, Futura Std, and more adjustments were made.
This is a comparison image highlighting the difference between the original and Futurova. Magenta is displaying Futura Std extra bold condensed, and cyan is displaying Futurova.
Final character set of Futurova.
(above) Billboard mockup; Other than three attributes, lively, friendly, and vibrant, Futurova has a warm and welcoming personality. With the word 'Welcome', each letter is emphasized to display some tasty bits.
(below) Lollapalooza theme mockups; Futurova has a vibrant summer music festival like Lollapalooza. Using Lollapalooza's color palette, final mockups were created.
(above) Pangram using Futurova.
(below) More mockups; Those emphasized type using words likely to be used if Futurova were to be a person.
Lively is one of Futurova's attributes. The meaning of lively is full of energy. Kids represent youth, another synonym for lively. The background image metaphorically explains how Futurova is lively, friendly, and vibrant and would be a great teacher for youthful children.
