The Monotype Index of Typefaces is a manuscript with a handwritten log of the typefaces held by Monotype in the early 1900s. This document includes a list of 1,241 typefaces—the first 600 entries showing a consistent aesthetic—followed by a series of eclectic handwritten entries by various recorders. The task of creating a digital revival of this handwriting was commissioned by The Monotype Corporation.
This talk will discuss the history of the manuscript and the challenges encountered during the digitization of creating a handwritten font:
Choosing which letters should be recreated digitally
How closely the design should follow the original handwriting or be updated for consistency
The discomfort of creating letterforms for a specific size when they might appear less than beautiful at larger sizes
Deciding how many alternates should be included to make it feel authentically handwritten
The technical aspects of creating a randomized script
Speaker
Andrea Leksen
Andrea Leksen is a type designer, graphic designer, and educator. She serves clients through her studio, Leksen Design, specializing in brand and type design. After receiving a Master of Design degree from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Scotland, Andrea has taught design and typography. This spanned fifteen years at Western Washington University, Cornish College of the Arts, and Seattle Pacific University.
Previous clients include Tableau Software, LEGO, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Davis Wright Tremaine, Intermec, Providence General Foundation, and Symetra Financial.
Andrea participates in the world of typography through font releases, speaking engagements, and publications that include InDesign Magazine and CreativePRO. Most recently she has been involved with assignments for Microsoft, working on existing fonts as well as creating custom fonts. Her font releases include Monotype Notebook, Alasassy, Mr Gabe, Nordeco, Nordique Pro, and Bemis. In between font releases, she is most likely found parenting, playing her piano, gardening, sailing, or tango dancing.
Andrea Leksen