Sheepfold
An experimental display typeface that combines slab serifs, reverse contrast and small ink-trap details, presented through a colourful specimen system.
The starting point
Develop a distinctive typeface with retro character. The exploration centred on stroke relationships, serif weight and letter construction, with applications in expressive branding and display typography.
The direction
Combine heavier horizontal strokes with slab serifs and subtle ink traps. Use repeated test words to compare letter relationships, then show the character set through a playful specimen.
Character in the letterforms.
How the idea took shape.
01
Use test words to establish the construction.
The early drawings compare letter shapes before building the wider set. Recurring structures such as bowls, stems and serifs provide a starting point for the remaining characters.
02
Adjust the optical relationships.
The project’s iterations changed serif weight and bowl thickness to improve consistency. Comparing the same test words across versions makes the refinement visible.
Further testing should focus on spacing, kerning and the intended display sizes. A plain specimen would make those qualities easier to judge separately from the illustrated presentation.
Have a project or opportunity?