A typeface usually starts with a concept or a desired visual expression. It can also be developed based on a specific technique. For example, the Albaro typeface draws heavily from calligraphic principles, highlighting this method.
In recent years, my focus on calligraphy has led me to create two sans-serif fonts: Valpo and Yport.
Both fonts began with freely exploring ideas at the start of their projects.
With this approach in mind, I eagerly used my skills to create an elegant serif font with my broad-nib pen.
I started with a clear design idea and focused on a large x-height. This gave the letters plenty of space and made them look balanced and well-composed.
After much work with the broad-nib pen, I carefully shaped the word ‘Saturdyne’, preparing them for digital use. This initial set eventually became the whole alphabet. I found it very helpful to regularly print out the alphabet and review each letter with the broad-nib pen. This method ensured that the digital versions reflected the main ideas of calligraphy.
From a sketch made with the broad-nib pen…
…to the creation of the first vector version.
The final version of Albaro Display follows all calligraphic principles.
From digital to analogue, a feedback loop that provided valuable insights; early digital and nib-pen drawings.
I started creating new characters by sketching their designs with the nib pen.
It took about three months to refine the shapes and go through the feedback loop from pen sketch to digital adjustments.
Crafting the design for each character with the pen.
Crafting the design for each character with the pen...
After that, I focused on refining the details and ensuring the vectors worked well together, aiming for consistency.
This process ensured that all the shapes fit nicely, resulting in a cohesive font.
At this point, I decided to create two versions of the typeface. The first version has a taller x-height, which was my initial idea. Although I later reduced the x-height to give it a more conventional look, I still appreciated how the taller x-height made the font distinctive.
Sinfonietta
A variable-font animation shows the final version of Albaro Display Light from Normal to Tall.
The display version features tightly spaced letters to ensure smooth integration in titles.
Albaro Display includes contextual alternates that adjust letters to fit their surrounding context.
frataè mîze
Some of Albaro’s contextual alternates.
Additionally, I developed a text version to improve Albaro’s versatility. This variant has lower character contrast and wider spacing, making it easier to read at smaller sizes.
Sinfonietta
A variable font animation shows the final version of Albaro Text from Light → Black.
Watching Albaro’s unique character develop has been a challenging but rewarding experience, with the broad-nib pen as a constant companion, giving it a special warmth and sophistication.
