In the realm of font design, where creativity knows no bounds, Formation Type Foundry has emerged as a distinctive force, seamlessly blending the art of typography with the inspiration drawn from nature. Founded in 2012, this design studio, nestled in the untamed beauty of Corris, Dyfi Valley in Wales, has embarked on a captivating journey of typeface exploration, where every curve and contour tells a story inspired by the natural world.
The Roots of Formation Type
For the visionary behind Formation Type Foundry, the journey into the realm of typefaces began with a profound passion ignited during the days of studying Graphic Design. The roots go back to 1995 when the founder crafted the first digital typeface as part of a final Degree project. This inaugural creation, proudly employed for a client at the beginning of a professional journey with BT, set the stage for what would become a lifelong fascination with 'growing your own' fonts.
Forming Fonts, Shaping Stories
Established in 2012, Formation Type Foundry was founded on the belief that there's nothing quite like crafting fonts from scratch. This sentiment echoes the essence of 'growing your own' – a process that involves an intimate understanding of the craft, a keen eye for detail, and a profound connection with the surrounding environment.
The Wild Inspiration of Dyfi Valley
The unique charm of Formation Type lies not just in its design philosophy but also in its geographical location. Now based in Corris, within the wilds of the Dyfi Valley, the studio is constantly immersed in the ever-changing beauty of its surroundings. Nature becomes a muse, offering an abundance of forms and textures that find their way into the intricate details of the typefaces.
Mineraline: Crystalline Elegance
One striking example of nature's influence on Formation Type's artistry is the Mineraline type family. Inspired by the crystalline, faceted forms of minerals, this multi-weight type family captures the dynamic and intricate feel of nature's own design. From delicate Light to solid and angular Ultra, Mineraline stands as a testament to the studio's ability to translate natural beauty into captivating typefaces.
Pebl: Organic Simplicity
Nature's influence extends to the simplified and smoothed shapes of beach pebbles, giving rise to the Pebl font. Bold, super-rounded, and pared back to basic, smooth outlines, Pebl emanates a friendly and organic look. This typeface is a celebration of the beauty found in simplicity, making it ideal for various design applications.
Embracing Nature's Palette
In the world of Formation Type, each stroke, curve, and contour is a canvas painted with the hues of nature. From the linear structures inspired by crystals to the smoothed shapes borrowed from beach pebbles, the foundry's typefaces reflect not only a commitment to design excellence but also a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
Conclusion: Crafting a Unique Narrative
Nature's influence at Formation Type Foundry goes beyond mere aesthetics; it shapes a unique narrative in every typeface created. As the studio continues to draw inspiration from the wild landscapes of Wales, we can anticipate more captivating stories unfolding through their fonts. Formation Type Foundry stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of design and nature, a symphony that resonates through the artistry of typeface exploration.