Billboard advertisement featuring new type designed by Wendy Steckler.
The challenge was to create an original typeface within block-form constraints (no curves). The typeface was to stylistically relate to a theme or subject matter from everyday life.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
I drew inspiration from yard and political signs in my area. Living in New Hampshire, there is no shortage of either.
I was inspired by the short and wide stature, low cross-bar and slight lines of the metal frames.
I created a number of prototype sketches, starting with 6 letters by hand as a proof of concept.
Rough sketches were developed for representative capital letters, “A”,”B”,”C”,”P”,”Q” and “R”. I endeavored to mimic the aspects of the inspiration - with a boxy shape, thin lines and low cross-bars. I mirrored the treatment of the stroke of the R and tail of the Q for alignment and balance.
The letterforms were then transfered to grid paper and reviewed for balance and continuity, ensuring the requirement of no curves was maintained.
The final process step was to draw in Illustrator and verify legibility at 24, 28 and 72 point scale.
THE FINAL DESIGN
Curb Appeal is a minimal, modular sans font highlighed by a ultramodern design. It’s geometric shape conveys strength and simplicity while the sans serif and modern lines express progress and innovation. Curb Appeal is ideal for titles and logos with constructivism or modernism messaging.
Curb Appeal's design includes high x-height and low, straight cross-bars.
Curb Appeal is best paired with other san serif, expanded typefaces like Archivo Expanded. For Numbers, Espiritu Expanded is a good choice.
The type is ideal for mechanical or technical brand use, providing a strong and masculine feel.
A local plumber uses Curb Appeal to advertise on trucks.
Reimagined Tacoma truck nameplate in Curb Appeal.
It's clean and thin lines also make it good for brands that stand for organic and fresh qualities.
Curb Appeal used for grocery store branding on shopping baskets.
Curb Appeal on grocery bags.
Curb Appeal is also perfect for new age implementations like this book cover.
Hyperion book cover in Curb Appeal.
And an AI subject billboard.
A billboard featuring the new Curb Appeal typeface.
