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Snot Creative: Type Sketching

This document provides guidance on sketching letterforms through a technique called Noordzij sketching. It discusses how [1] most typefaces can be categorized as either translation or expansion based on the tool used to create them, with translation created using a broad nib pen held at an angle. [2] The Noordzij sketching method allows replicating this translation effect through consistent zigzag strokes at an angle, like a broad nib pen. [3] Tips are also provided on point placement when vectorizing sketches, such as using on and off-curve points and triangle overlaps.

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phil sober
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100 views

Snot Creative: Type Sketching

This document provides guidance on sketching letterforms through a technique called Noordzij sketching. It discusses how [1] most typefaces can be categorized as either translation or expansion based on the tool used to create them, with translation created using a broad nib pen held at an angle. [2] The Noordzij sketching method allows replicating this translation effect through consistent zigzag strokes at an angle, like a broad nib pen. [3] Tips are also provided on point placement when vectorizing sketches, such as using on and off-curve points and triangle overlaps.

Uploaded by

phil sober
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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snot creative

Type Sketching

� neue haus growtesk


1. Translation & Expansion
2. Noordzij Sketching
3. Point Placement
4. Other Resources
5. Ignore Me
I recommend sketching first before jumping into illustrator,
this doc goes over a sketching method, but feel free to sketch
any method some type and post it on the #fontcollab channel!

First & Foremost!


Translation Expansion
w/ Broad Nib w/ Pointed Nib

Most type can be put into 2 main categories based off of its contrast: 
Translation & Expansion.
Both of these terms originating from type’s origin in calligraphy,
and specifically from what type of pen made the type!

Translation & Expansion


A lot of typefaces, when you examine the difference between
the thick and thin areas, and the speed of curves in letters, are
called translation contrast. Meaning the letter was derived
from a broad-nib pen held at a 30-45 degree angle, this angle is
then translated across the entire letterform (a good example of
this is the /u in TypeHaus).

But calligraphy is hard, it requires a lot of control of


then pen and practice, however you can use the Noordzij
sketching method to mimic the angle of a broad-nib pen.

By sketching at a consistent angle and width in a zig-zag


motion, you have the ability to create translation
contrast letterforms without the difficulty of calligraphy!

But of course these rules are mutable, you dont need to


maintain a consistent angle or width! Try varying the width
and rotating your angle for limitless type possibilities! You
don’t need to follow these rules, the goal is to create a fun and
interesting shape, that just so happens to resemble a letter!

Noordzij Sketching
← on-curve point

← off-curve point

For those of you vectorizing you letter(s), here are a few tips!
Points that are on the “extrema” help you control your curves a
bit better! So if you have a circle there would be 4 points. This also
means keeping your off-curve points at 90° angles.

Another tip to make your vectorizing life easier, is to add


triangle overlaps to your outlines! This method gives you the
ability to control points, that would normally be together as one,
individually without altering two curves. This would happen at
any point in a character where two very different paths meet. An
example of this can be found in the inner areas of this letter /a!

Point Placement
If you have the time to watch Abstract: The Art of Design,
the episode on Jonathan Hoefler on Netflix, if may help with
inspiration & you’ll learn what the poggendorff illusion is! (if you do
not have netflix and want to watch it contact Rachael on discord)

Here is some type terminology that we all can use to ease


communications about anatomy of type.
Thinking with Type (there is a free website and a paid for book)

More Type Design Learning Resources


OHno Type Co > a letter by letter guide on type design
Lynne Yun Type Design Class > a free course on type design
Typedesignclass.com > interesting blog posts on type design
What are Bezier Curves?
Practice with Bezier Curves!
In-Depth Bezier Curves (a bit more complex)
Learning Type Design > a blog on learning type design
Type Design Podcast > with my friend Mark Davis

If you are interesting in purchasing a book about design type I


personally recommed Designing Type by Karen Cheng

Extra Resources
This might become helpful in point structure
when you make your character(s)

Extra Resources
You can throw all of these rules and sugguestions and everything
out the window. The goal is to have fun making letter shapes, these
are just things that I have learned in “type school” so maybe it’ll
help you out! If what you want to make doesn’t work with what I’ve
sugguested that’s amazing, you make the letter that makes you
happiest. In this collab the technicallity of letters dont matter!
HAVE FUN � MAKE FONT!

If you have any questions at all message Rachael on discord!

IGNORE EVERYTHING I SAID

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