Mazo
The goal of this project was to design an original typeface with stylized characters suited for headlines rather than body copy. The typeface was to be inspired by an existing font and include either lowercase or uppercase characters, or both. The process of making Mazo included drawing each character, first by hand, and then digitally using Illustrator and Glyphs. Upon creating the final OTF file with space-corrected characters, I designed a type specimen poster to showcase the design and tell its story through original body copy.
Role
- Typeface design
- Type poster design
Date
Apr 2018
Tools
- Illustrator
- Glyphs
MAZO is a geometric typeface inspired by the unexpected and irregular turns in life. Although one’s path can seem predictable, it can quickly change direction to form irregularities in the regular space. At times, it is an easily walkable straight line. Other times, it is a crossroads that presents a choice. Sometimes a leap is necessary to continue the path, and sometimes the only option is to trust an erratic turn.
While every new detour comes with some challenges to overcome, looking closer at the complex relationship between the regular and irregular reveals a harmony between these two modes. When viewing the path as a whole, every turn has a greater purpose. Inspired by the typeface Quicksand, MAZO’s geometric shapes and rounded forms blend Scandinavian simplicity with a bit of mystery. Its stylized nature makes MAZO particularly suitable for expressive headlines and logos.
