Fayster
TYPE & TYPESPECIMEN DESIGN
The first typeface I designed myself. I used the theory of Javal (if the upper part of a letter is legible, you'll be able to read the words that the letters represent). I made a typeface using the upper part as a static, black straight type and the lower part to do the exact opposite: hollow, wobbly and being pulled down by gravity. The book design you see here is a type specimen in which I showed all the best qualities of the type: I used it for text paragraphs, but also as shapes; I used them black on white and white on black.
A book design made in 2020, first printed in January 2021.
© Fay Janssen - 2021
Extra design information:
A project which started from Javal’s theory; letter cut in the middle, with the top part still showing, will always be legible. A typeface was designed from this theory. I chose for an existing typeface for the top part of the letters, which was Bodoni, which was combined with the unique lower part, designed by me. I wasn’t supposed to strive for legibility, because like the theory says: the typeface will always be legible because of the top part. But I did work in the directions of the letters.
I chose for a blubber-mass existing from a wobbly line, this mass would appear to be pulled down by gravity. It was a conscious choice to only apply a line on the lower part of the letters, this way a great contrast between the upper and lower part of the letter was created, a contrast between static and free shapes.
The book design that is shown here is a type-specimen in which the typeface is presented. The self-designed typeface isn’t only used for lettering, but also as shapes, as shown in the fifth photo. The contrast which is present in the letter itself, also appears in the specimen. This was shown by applying black boxes in the booklet.
The written text is the song ‘frail state of mind’ by the 1975, one of Fay’s favorite bands (maybe even her number #1). This song came out at the same time I received this assignment, which also means it was playing on repeat while designing the typeface and typespecimen.