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, the first Argentinean type foundry collective.
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 Arcor, Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, Danone, and others. With the founding of Sudtipos in 2002, Ale shifted his efforts to typeface design, creating fonts and lettering for several top packaging agencies, along with commercial faces.
In 2006 he was a speaker at TMDG06, the largest Latin American graphic design event in history - more than 4,000 designers were in attendance. He has also taught seminars and spoken at the TypoBerlin, TypeCon, and AtypI conferences, at the Type Directors Club in New York City, and at events in Portugal, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Mexico and Canada.
His work has been featured in publications around the globe, including Print, Step, Creative Review, Visual, Creative Arts, Novum, and many others.
He has walked away with awards from numerous design competitions. He has received two Type Directors Club TDC2 awards, in 2008 for Burgues Script and in 2009 for Adios Script.
He teaches a postgraduate typography program at the University of Buenos Aires, where he previously taught graphic design.
This package contains:
Brownstone Thin, Light, and Hole, with Frames included within each weight.
Copyright © Alejandro Paul
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