Project 2 Typographic Abstraction

I do geek out a little bit about playing with typeface. One of our projects recently dealt with taking three consecutive letters from the alphabet and abstracting the typeface utilizing Adobe Illustrator. Sidebar, we also learned about C.R.A.P. (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity); this acronym makes the child inside happy. Also, I’ve used Illustrator in the past, but the idea of multiple artboards same file life changing!

After completing the first three in class, the professor asked that I keep going. After completing eight, this was a blessing and a curse, and now having to cull down to three.

The first to go was UVW; I had fun playing with the U turning the W upside down into mountains and a V ground. It was an easy first bin. Second to shred was RST; even though I liked the symmetry of the mirror R with the little t in the middle and the swirly quality of the S, it didn’t feel as strong. Third to go was the very first OPQ, I’m still unsure whether I like the circular abstract, but I felt the P was just there instead of bringing anything to the party.

Down to five was the easiest part. Editing down to three was the hardest. So, I determined which of the 5 I liked the most, EFG, which uses an illuminated manuscript style typeface, Orbe Pro, felt right to me. Now only 2 spots left. Again I looked at the last four and tried to choose the best for me XYZ. There’s something about the angle of the y next to the X and how the Z intersects almost like a bow across a string instrument. The final three are JKL (Lion King vibe), ZAB (White Space 3D), and MNO (Skate Deck). The Skate deck for me won, but the waffling over the last three went on for days.

If you had to choose between them, which three would you choose and why?