Black letter Research

Task: Design a set of pictograms and a signage system for a hospital that uses blackletter typefaces and calligraphic flourishes as its foundation.

Moyenage by Fraoktisek Storm

For part of my research I looked at an interview with Fraoktisek Storm who had created a modern blackletter typeface called Moyenage. The typeface's shapes are 'tightly fixed with a strict rhythm of line' and derive from French medieval textura. Despite this traditional background, it is clearly modern and applicable to current design.

This is because the stereotype of blackletter has been broken yet it still appears classic and modern. The face is wider and the edges are rounded, making it more legible.

For my own work I intend to make the design using a similar thickness and flourish, yet maintain the contemporary feel by using rounded line. 

Emmerik Regular by Vincent Deboer

I also looked at Vincent Deboer, who has created a typeface which was influenced by blackletter, called Emmerik Regular. This uses far more angular shape, probably following a grid to make sure it is consistent. Despite how effective this is, our project involves creating subjective shape and the work needs to have some inconsistencies and derive from natural shape. Deboer is also passionate about brushwork and this work shows far more fluidity and subjectivity. This flow is important for my own work, although I need to make sure there is certain order and commonality between the symbols. 

Deboar brushwork

Emmerik Regular