A research project into understanding digital type specimens and their role in evaluating typefaces.
A project about type specimens:
what they are; how they are used; and who makes them.
Type Specimens is a research & design project, a publication, and a community resource. Read more about the project, browse the list of curated specimens, or sign up for the weekly newsletter
THE SPECIMENS DIGEST
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Mercure
Mercure, designed by Charles Mazé, is the result of an inquiry into Latin epigraphy and the typographic forms associated with that discipline. A touch of the experimental mixed with the conventional of digital type specimens. Yes please.
Lausanne
The graphic design of this specimen walks the line between two aesthetics - digital and print - but doesn't quite deliver on either. Which is a shame. With the introduction of a type tester, some clearer description of features and styles, it would be much improved.
Noordenwind
Noordenwind is a typeface inspired by the turbulent Dutch winds. The really interesting part of this project is the different weights for each month, each with its own levell of stress and distortion matching the dutch weather.