The Process of a Material Typeface

Alex Amesquita

Material Exploration

Binder Clips

Set 1

14 binder clips made of metal and plastic. This material mas 2 moving parts and very interesting shapes, which can be used to make letters. Each one can connect and create different shapes. Im not sure how making a typeface will go, since their shape and behavior are very unusual, and not easily changed.

Set 2

Set 3

Safety Pins

Set 1

40 large silver safety pins. I think these pins will be somewhat easy to work with, considering that they can form 90 degree angles, or can even be molded into hooks. It might be a bit more difficult to create some letters, but I think being able to change the shape of each one will add something interesting.

Set 2

Set 3

Conduit Clamps

Set 1

14 plastic Conduit clamps I found at Home Depot. These might be a little more difficult to make a typeface from then the other materials. They all have a basic U shape, but standing them up and moving them around can make different shapes. I may also be able to break some apart to create some variety, although I have not actually tried this.

Set 2

Set 3

Safety Pins: In Depth

Analysis

Names: Safety pin, Pin Uses: Fasten cloth together, repair damaged fabric Features color: Sliver weight:Very lightweight texture: Wire smell: No smell taste: No taste size: A little over an inch in length Inherent Properties: Sharp, pointed, springy, claspy, thin, wirey, moldable, Raw Materials/Processes: Spring steel is drawn into a thin wire. Machines cut and straighten the wire into the correct size. One end of the wire is put into a grinder until it is sharp. A piece of metal is wrapped around the dull end and forms the clasp. The sharp end is placed into the clasp. Parts: Easy to take apart, but needed pliers to separate the clasp from the wire. Spreading out the clasp would make it unrecognizable, but it couldnt be done without breaking it.

Concept
Hooked will be the title for the safety pin typeface because the purpose of safety pins is to hook, fasten, and connect materials.

Variation 2

Variation 1

Variation 3

Typeface in an Environment

Photo Shoot
The environment I choose was meant to display the typeface on a fabric. Since safety pins are meant to connect cloth together, I wanted the envirnoment needed to be related to sewing. The texture of the fabric also contrasted with the metal pins.

Variation 2

Variation 1

Variation 3

Final