Type Form & Function

Alternate Media

WHAT THE FONT. Type can be rendered with nearly anything that the mind imagines: food, gum, architecture, bacteria, or hair. And when physical media are combined with digital media, the possibilities expand even further. Because typography has physical properties, and with so many designers looking for solace away from the computer, it’s no wonder that a barrage of new letters seems to pop up each day on sites such as Ilovetypography.com.

Some designers pay tribute to their favorite typefaces in doing these experiments, while others prefer to render something altogether new. Ultimately, this work helps the designer to explore alternative methods, processes, and media for rendering typography that may (or may not) contribute to ...