Crafting authenticity: The story behind Lost Village's bespoke typeface
Since its founding in 2015, custom typography has played an important role in the Lost Village’s identity. As part of a wider refresh of the festival’s brand, we embarked on a journey to create a new handwritten typeface that would not only complement the brand's aesthetic but also infuse it with a sense of authenticity and character.
We set out to capture the essence of human imperfection in digital form. The goal was to develop a typeface that resembled handwritten script, as if each letter had been meticulously scratched into objects with ink.
We began by sketching out various letterforms, experimenting with different styles and strokes to capture the desired aesthetic. Each letter was carefully crafted to maintain a balance between legibility and personality, ensuring that it would seamlessly integrate into the brand's overall design language.
Recognising the importance of variation in creating a truly authentic feel, we expanded the typeface to include multiple letter variations for each character. This meant creating over 5,000 glyphs, each with its own unique quirks and nuances.
The next step was to bring the typeface to life digitally. We meticulously digitised each letterform, paying close attention to detail to preserve the organic feel of the handwritten strokes.
Drawing inspiration from the unpredictability of human handwriting, we coded the typeface to randomly alternate between each letter variation in a sentence. This meant that the text appeared slightly differently each time the typeface is used, adding an element of spontaneity and charm to brand communications.
Through careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, we were able to create a typeface that not only serves a practical purpose but that has become a key part of the brand's narrative, embodying its values and vision in every stroke.