Inspired By #99
Hey everyone! Hope you're having a great day.
I’m going to start this issue with my thoughts on brands and their custom fonts. And I've also rounded up some cool finds from the past few weeks.
Enjoy! ✌🏻
A Font of Their Own
Why Brands Invest in Custom Typefaces
I used to think custom fonts were unnecessary. After all, there are countless high-quality typefaces readily available. Some even for free or included in a subscription, so why do brands go through the trouble and expense of creating new ones?
After diving deeper into the world of typography I’ve changed my mind, at least for some cases.
Take a look at brands like Burger King, Lush, Dunkin, LEGO®, Warner Bros. and Audi. Their custom fonts are integral to their brand identity, creating a cohesive and memorable experience for users.
(I used the first three brands’ typefaces in the image below)
Licensing costs can be a factor, but I think the primary reason brands invest in custom fonts is to differentiate themselves. A unique typeface can make a brand instantly recognizable, trigger emotions, and elevate its overall aesthetic.
But, I do still think there’s no need for a custom font, if it looks like any other plain sans serif out there. (Looking at you Figma, Netflix, Rivian, and Canva)
A custom typeface can be a powerful tool for brands seeking to differentiate themselves. However, I also think it’s crucial to ensure that the font is distinctive and complements the brand’s aesthetic.
If an off-the-shelf font can effectively convey the brand’s message, there's no need for a custom one. Ultimately (as always 😊) the decision should be based on the specific needs and goals of the brand.
Lord of the Flies
The first graphic novel adaptation of William Golding’s defining classic, Lord of the Flies, illustrated by acclaimed Dutch artist Aimée de Jongh, is beautiful!
I loved the illustrations of this classic story I haven’t read before. It was a quick read, because there’s not a lot of text or dialogue, and I enjoyed the art a lot more than the story.
I haven’t been yet, but I think I’ll checkout her expo at Kunsthal Rotterdam soon.
Cabel Sasser at XOXO 2024
This talk by Cabel Sasser is just wonderful. It’s about life, and art, and… McDonalds? Do yourself a favor and watch it:
Heartwarming, insightful, and left me feeling inspired. And after you’ve watched the talk, go here for Wes Cook’s artwork: https://wescook.art/
The new p22.com
I remember browsing the P22 collection back in my student days. And I just learned they offer Hamilton Wood Type as well! My creative gears are already turning, scheming up a side project to play around with those beautiful fonts. 🥰
P22 Type Foundry
The home of P22
Flexible Typesetting (for free!)
Tim Brown wrote Flexible Typesetting to aid your practice, offering new mental models for anchoring fluid, responsive design on key typographic guidelines.
And he decided to make it free, so if you’re into typography: enjoy!
Tune Shine
Tuneshine® lights up your room with the album artwork from the songs you listen to. It looks a bit like Tidbyt, but the square form factor is perfect for album covers.
Tuneshine – Your space, your music
Album art display for tasteful music lovers
Pizza Puzzles
Pizza Puzzles bring delicious art and a fun jigsaw puzzle experience to your table. These pizzas are silly and fun to look at, but more importantly, they’re puzzles you can build with your friends and family.
Dookie Demastered
Love these type of weird internet things. Green Day’s landmark album, demastered in 15 formats. The way it was never meant to be heard.
“The listening experience is unparalleled, sacrificing not only sonic quality, but also convenience, and occasionally entire verses.”
Teddy Ruxpin was my favorite. 🤭
Dookie Demastered
BRAIN x Green Day | Green Day's landmark album, demastered in 15 formats. The way it was never meant to be heard.
What I’ve been reading and watching
What did you think of this issue?
Hit me up with your thoughts, good or bad. Reply here or find me on Threads: @jpkoudstaal