Initial Typeface Ideas

The content of the project doesn't call for a distinct style of type, therefore I considered the use of the linocuts I developed acting as a key and the focus on maps and data visualisation as a starting point. Maps and data visualisation generally follow rules and grids, so I chose a circular based grid to create a typeface that follows rules while also referencing the idea of nature as I feel the rounded shapes relate more to flora, and also produce a friendlier typeface which is effective for my target audience. A more serious, serif typeface paired with the topic I'm exploring may relate too much to news articles which contradicts the purpose of my project being for those who may not engage with that type of media.

For the first typeface, I explored just randomly placing the circles quite spread away from the previous as a way of representing the uncertainty of migration - especially when it's unexpected/unknown due to war. I like the fluidity of the type as I can see the relation to migration but there's no rule relating it to the idea of data and mapping.

To further explore the idea of migration, but considering rules, I chose a starting point to start all my glyphs, and then filled in circles moving away from that point.

Inspired by the contextual research on migration, I used terminology I highlighted as inspiration. This typeface explored 'Push Factors', which resulted in following the diagonal gridlines moving forward. I like the effect this rule had on the "n" as the shoulder isn't connected, which represents this movement/shift.

'Pull Factors' - following the same rules as the Push Factors type, but following the diagonal gridlines moving backwards. Overall, I think both the Push Factors and the Pull factors are conceptually strong, but the result is quite simple and aren't visually interesting or showing any relation to the flora theme.

Incorporated the rules of following the diagonal lines as with the push and pull type but more loosely as a way of relating to the initial idea of migration/fleeing from war being unknown and random.

Beginning to form rules that can be applied to each glyph as a way of creating consistency.

Created a rule in which I drew out one of the lino/stamp symbols within the grid to keep the consistent theme of flora. The theme of flora and nature is important to the project to consistently communicate the idea of migration being natural, and allowing communities to flourish.

Experimented with hand drawing and altering the grid in different ways as manipulating the roundness can communicate different personalities however I prefer the roundness and heavily circular based typeface on the grid.