Typography

Handwritten Typographers

handwriting_erik2

Cameron Adams asks:

Do typographers exert some extraordinary control of the pen that laypersons don’t? Does a typographer’s handwriting influence the typefaces they produce?

And answers with handwriting examples from leading type designers. This post is for the hardcore lover of typography so sorry in advance...

'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz'

While visiting web designer Mark Boulton’s blog over the weekend, I found a link to this video by Job & Roel Wouters.

It’s a wonderfully simple piece. Watching Job draw the letterforms is mesmeric enough, but when his son (?) joins in, I found myself laughing as he tries to imitate his fathers work. This leads to some funny-looking characters (c and d are particular favourites of mine).

I’m particularly jealous of the beautiful free-hand script of Job. It really is a joy to watch.


A video by Job & Roel Wouters recorded in Amsterdam at studio Xelor early 2008

Hand 1: Gradus W. Wouters, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 2003 Hand 2: Job Wouters, Leiden, the Netherlands, 1980 Director: Roel Wouters Director of photography: Sal Kroonenberg Music: Rik Elstgeest & Bo Koek Production asst: Ton de Munck

On a bizarre side note, I also see Mark fathered a baby girl named ‘Alys’ on the exact same day my daughter was born. What are the chances of that happening?