ISTD brief: Variability in Typographic Voice
In response to the brief on variable fonts, which called for the promotion and increased awareness of their potential as revolutionary typographic tools, I chose to embrace the challenge by creating a type specimen. My design aims to enhance the understanding and adoption of Variable Webfonts. Featuring Acumin, a versatile variable font from the Adobe Originals collection, this project underscores the innovative nature of variable fonts. Unlike traditional fonts, a variable font encapsulates a range of styles and weights within a single file, offering a spectrum of variations along multiple axes. My goal was to demystify this cutting-edge font technology by translating it into a tangible format.
The design utilises a concertina structure to mimic the dynamic interpolation process inherent in variable fonts, visually representing the fluid transition between different font weights and styles. Each letter was meticulously hand-cut, showcasing the subtle variations that can be achieved between the font's lightest and boldest extremes. By using the letters X, Y, and Z, the specimen not only illustrates the concept of multi-axis variation but also serves as a physical embodiment of the font's adaptability and range.
