Pixel Rock Typeface

This was a project I made in my Advanced Typography class. The goal for this assignment was to make our typeface and an accompanying poster.

The modular typeface that I have created is called Pixel Rock. This typeface is intended to function as a digital font that mimics the rock and roll aesthetic while also acting as a more stylized version of a slab serif typeface, similar to other blocky fonts such as Cufel. This font was initially constructed out of triangular grid paper. While creating this typeface, I noticed it created a unique effect. Not only did the characters look like they were at a slanted angle, but the pointed tops and bottoms brought into mind certain rock band posters, like Metalica, from which the name Pixel Rock derives. It is primarily an English font for English-speaking readers. The typeface's angular design and rock and roll aesthetic are meant to convey a rebellious and free-spirited personality. Still, the overall blocky shapes also give it a bold and slightly simplistic personality. This typeface has several characteristics and a set of guidelines. First, each character must occupy a box three squares wide by 14 squares tall. Uppercase letters are 12 squares tall on each side, and lowercase letters are 8 squares tall. The most important characteristic, though, is the typeface's angular slant. Each character must be on a 30-degree angle and occupy a parallelogram-like space. Anything that doesn’t follow this is strictly forbidden. The only exceptions to this are ascenders and descenders. Ascenders can be as tall as uppercase letters, while descenders can go as far as five squares below the character container. It is desired to mimic the monotype typographic style.

When designing the poster, I wanted it to be reminiscent of a rock and roll concert poster. As such, a primary color palette of black, red, orange, and yellow was chosen. The background has these white triangular shapes meant to mimic the spotlights often seen in showbiz. The font's name is set against a red, orange, and yellow parallelogram intended to flow with the type design. Together, the design is meant to look like a sign for a concert that you'd glimpse at while driving down the road. The entire alphabet, including letters, numbers, and punctuation marks, is displayed front and center in bold white. A small blurb describing the font can also be seen next to the font name.