Vietnamme Magazine
lowercase <-> uppercase
Feb 2023 — May 2023
Variable-Case’s unique trait lies in its ability to switch between uppercase and lowercase letters based on where they sit vertically. I made a website to see the font in action.
* Font testing site here vanghoa.github.io/VariableCase.
* Take a look at the github repository.
Initially, the project brief was to choose a fashion designer and craft a modular typeface inspired by that designer, their approach, philosophy, or a specific work. I picked Martin Margiela, a highly influential figure in the fashion world. What piqued my interest the most was his Spring 1996 Collection.
The collection is remarkable for its incorporation of photographs of vintage garments, screenprinted onto plain, blank clothing. This unique approach fosters a captivating dialogue between the past and present.
Past and present, embodied in a single garment. By the same token, my typeface conceptually focuses on the relationship between uppercase and lowercase characters. Functionwise, different letter case variations can emphasize hierarchy, use for abbreviation, control reading flow, act as punctuation, and more, all with the goal of differentiation. This typeface unites both cases into a single silhouette; and the differentiation is achieved simply through moving the character up or down.
One key design aspect is the use of lowercase shapes for the tops of characters. This involves initially designing each character in lowercase with a consistent x-height, followed by the addition of descenders to create the impression of uppercase letters. This way, when a portion of the text is covered, it will still display the conventional look of the capitals taller than the lowercase.
Besides the default uppercase and lowercase, the typeface also has a variable function allowing custom case (mostly for display purpose because there is already a similar function in Adobe Illustrator–baseline shifting)
- Bảo Anh as graphic designer
- Darius Ou for consultation
- This project was done as part of a course module at LASALLE College of the Arts