Ouroboros – Typeface
Description
Inspired by the past, the present, and again the past, the present… This is an original design based on historical scripts. A modern reinterpretation of English Capitals (handwritten scripts from the 9th & 10th centuries), which only existed as uppercase, now adding lowercase based on Arrighi’s work (a Humanist handwritten script from the 16th century), matching axis and adjusting optical sizes. Finally, the new system has been adapted for nowadays uses and tools, but again referring to the sources, to add alternates and details. The result is a classical style with a modern twist, an undeniably contemporary typeface that provides a raw and intense look with a touch of elegance. The original reference allowed letter-by-letter decision making; thus, several tweaks and modifications were needed to make it work now as a font, with automated solutions for spacing and ligatures. Optical size adjustment for a big x-height was imperative because of the significative serifs; they forced to have big counterforms to compensate for the large letter-spacing generated by them. As far as the Axis: Arrighi’s work, as other Humanist sources, presents an angled one, something considered when matching with the mostly vertical axis on the English Capitals (this is also true on Caroline Capitals, also examined). Corresponding italics were designed as well, from scratch. This typeface is recommended for headlines and short texts. Design by Ringo R. Seeber with the mentorship of Sumner Stone.
