One design sparks another. As Alejandro Paul experimented with the strokes and curves of the monoline script Business Penmanship, he discovered interesting new forms and shapes that didn't fit the Spencerian theme of that typeface. These forms simmered in Ale's subconscious over the next three years, during which time he visited New York City, pored over rare type specimen books in the New York Public Library, and explored Brooklyn's neighborhoods.Brownstone, the face born from these explorations, is an original 21st-century design, yet one subtly infused with historical and cultural references — keen observers might spot influences from decorative typefaces of 19th-century foundries. And just as faces from that era were influenced by contemporary architecture, the frames included with Brownstone echo the ornate iron railings of Park Slope's row houses. (There's also a slight 1960s vibe to Brownstone, of novelty swash-sans photocompositing faces, that can be played up at your discretion.)
Influences aside, Brownstone has broad appeal to modern audiences. A soft, monoline sans-serif, with elements of Swiss geometry (see the 'k' and 'x'), its marriage of highly legible, draftsman-like letterforms with decorative swashes and ornaments reflects the old-meets-new aesthetic of the DIY craft culture seen in Brooklyn and other urban centers. It's ornamental but unfussy, romantic but understated – a design theme well-suited to recession-era cynicism.
About the designer:
Ale Paul is one of the founders of the Sudtipos project, a key reference for the quality of its work. His work has contributed enormously in placing Argentina firmly on the map of Graphic Design. Ale’s career as an art director landed him in some of Argentina’s most prestigious studios, and handling such high-profile corporate brands as Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, Danone, and others.
With the founding of Sudtipos Ale shifted his efforts to typeface design, creating fonts and lettering for several top packaging agencies, along with commercial faces. In 2012 his font Piel Script was selected at Letter2. He has received four certificates of excellence with Burgues Script, Adios Script, Poem Script and Hipster Script from the Type Directors Club NY and several awards at the Tipos Latinos biennial of typography.
He teaches a postgraduate typography program at the University of Buenos Aires, where he previously taught graphic design. He has also taught seminars and spoken at the Type Master Weeks NY, TypoBerlin, TypeCon, Pecha Kucha and Atypi conferences, at the Type Directors Club in New York City, and at events in France, Spain, Portugal, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Mexico and Canada.
His work has been featured in publications around the globe, including Eye, Communication Arts. Print, Creative Review, Visual, Creative Arts, Novum and many others.
He has been designated ATypi’s country delegate and is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and the first one for Argentina.
This package contains:
Brownstone Thin, Light, and Hole, with Frames included within each weight.
Copyright © Alejandro Paul
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