AN ORIGINAL TYPEFACE CREATED BY SARAH LEUGEMORS
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Š 2012 Anderson, South Carolina Published by Sarah Leugemors CharlesType created by Sarah Leugemors All images produced by Sarah Leugemors
Background
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The Process
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Application
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Examples
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Majuscules
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Minuscules
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Numerals
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Punctuation
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The creation of CharlesType was inspired by noticing that street signs in downtown Charleston, SC were labeled using different typefaces from block to block; there was no consistency. The typefaces on the signage also lacked any sort of reference to the history that downtown Charleston possesses. Thus, the challenge to create an official typeface for signage in downtown Charleston that reflects this area’s rich history was born.
A slab serif was chosen in order to give the typeface a sense of history. Slab serifs were commonly used in advertising in the early 1800s. In addition, CharlesType has a unique serif on its majuscles. All the serifs in the upper left of the majuscules mirror that of the small detail found on Sword Gate (as illustrated with the green circles).
As anyone who has visited downtown Charleston knows, Charleston is known for its elaborate iron work that adorns the gates of many of its homes. One of the most famous gates in this area is Sword Gate (pictured left center). Ironworker Christopher Werner created Sword Gate in 1838, but it was not installed until 1849. Several of CharlesType’s characteristics came from Sword Gate. The terminals on CharlesType’s minuscule a, c, f, and r, the serif on the minuscule g, and the descenders on the minuscule y and j as well as the majuscule J all round into a circle that represents the swirls found on Sword Gate (as illustrated with the blue circles). 5
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Version 2:
Version 3:
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Throughout the creation of CharlesType, many changes were made. In the beginning, the minuscules had the same unique serifs the majuscules have, but after putting those letters into words, it was decided that those distinct serifs would be far too distracting for signage. The unique serifs would only be used on the majuscules (shown with the pink circles). Also, other changes were made in relation to the minuscule r and s. The hook of the r was too wide and had too much of a curve, so it was changed to have a much narrower set width and a more subtle curve (illustrated with the blue circles). Contrarily, the set width of the s was too narrow, so adjustments were made so that it had a wider set width that made the s feel more at home with the rest of the letters (demonstrated with the yellow squares). In addition, alterations were made with the negative space between serifs with letters such as the minuscule y. The gap between the serifs closes up quickly when viewed from a distance, so the serifs were shortened in the middle of letters in order to fix this issue (illustrated with the green circles). 7
Use in all majuscules for signage.
Use majuscules and minuscules for signage.
Do not use in body copy!
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When using CharlesType, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, CharlesType was made for signage. That is, CharlesType was created for display not body copy. The picture on the left illustrates what is appropriate and what is not appropriate when applying CharlesType. Using CharlesType in all majuscules is ideal for signage, but combining majuscules with minuscules is also acceptable. The problem lies when using CharlesType in body copy. Do not do it! This typeface was designed to be printed at a large scale and to be legible at great distances, but when CharlesType is printed small scale in body copy problems occur. The even stroke weight of the letters that is helpful at large scale becomes a problem at small scale. The ink begins to look splotchy and almost resembles that of a typewriter, which is not ideal for lengthy amounts of text.
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“The elegance and rich history of Charleston, SC, with her pastel-colored row houses, horse-drawn carriages, wind-blown forts and live oaks draped with Spanish moss have an appeal to all ages.� Mary Sue Laurence, New York Times