A typography design project inspired by my typewriter and other creative musings from contributors like you
Do you remember the feel of the keys under your fingertips and sound of the hammer hitting the paper as you tried to type quickly but not so fast as to jam your typewriter? Do you like the look and feel of a typeset page, but don't want to mess with correction fluid or tape?
What
is "I <3 ..." ?
I <3 = I love – A new/old typeface inspired by the typewriter. More
specifically, my 1969 Olivetti Valentine. Sure, you could use other fonts similar to
this monospaced, typewritten typeface, but each machine has its own character.
I want to bring my typewriter’s character into the digital world for others to
use and enjoy. Besides the intangible
benefit of helping me achieve this goal, you will also receive rewards for supporting
my learning process. My ultimate goal is to continue to make more typefaces
available in the future. (Seriously, look to the right—the rewards are pretty
awesome.)
Why
"I <3 ..."?
I love my typewriter, but it doesn't have a "<" key! Your support
will bring this typeface inspired by my typewriter to life by creating a font
we can all use and <3 on our computers!
It takes time to create a typeface. Each letterform has to be created, scanned, and cleaned up before it ever hits the program where it can then be turned into an actual font to be used on a computer. This last step will take weeks, maybe even months, to get all of the sizing, kerning, and leading right. Sure the Valentine has its natural way of placing letters on the page, but the typeface should work nicely on the computer and that will take time.
I'm prepared to provide the time to gain the skills needed to create the proper typeface, but I don’t yet have the software to finalize it. The project funding will cover the cost of the software and shipping of rewards. As an artist, I have plenty of inspiration and supplies to fulfill the rewards in a timely manner to get them to you!
Who
should back "I <3 ..."?
Computer owners, those who type, font-o-philes, graphic designers, and friends
and family who don't want to have to throw me a pity party if this project
doesn't get funded. If you want to honor someone else by backing this project
in their name, I'm happy to type up a note for you to give them, including an
ETA of their reward.
Where
does "I <3 ..." go from here?
Let's make this font available to the world and inspire new creations. I plan
to set up a small indie type studio to help others create inspired fonts. There
are many calligraphists and artists lettering by hand who have come to me for
support. I just need to get the basics under my belt to do further exploration
and serve them better.
Now that you get it, please be part of this type tribe to help make this project happen.
Thank you!
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
I love taking risks because they push me to learn and grow. Though I have been setting type as a graphic designer for 20 years, I recognize that I am a beginner at creating typefaces and know there is still a lot to learn about the process and the software. I anticipate that there will be a learning curve, but it should not affect my deliverables to my backers.
That's why I chose a somewhat simple foundation to start: my typewriter. And I added to the challenge by creating a few more characters to the typeface. I've also allowed plenty of time to complete the project and will deliver sooner if possible. If I do experience any obstacles, my backers will be the first to know about any possible delays.
My love for my typewriter and the enjoyment of working with you will overcome any challenges I may face!
FAQ
-
Yes. All three typefaces will be saved as Open Type fonts, allowing you to use each typeface on both platforms.
-
Do you like to type? Great, me too!
However, it's a lot of work to get the ol' typewriter out and type something when I can simply type it on my computer. I don't know about your typewriter, but mine is a like a vintage sewing machine—it is constantly in need of minor repairs—the ribbon has to be rewound and adjusted each time, it requires minor clean up, correction tape and fluid is a must, and there is little to no design opportunities on the typewriter, not to mention the missing characters and the ease of hitting delete.
So although I love the pretty little bell sound when I hit the end of the line, it is simply limited. So if you love your typewriter, great! But if you want a quick fix for the look of a typewritten text, choose "I <3 …", you'll love it!
-
I've had several people share their typewriter stories with me and there desire to pull their treasures out of the closet and dust it off, but can't find ribbon. Well, after several attempts to purchase a ribbon that will fit my typewriter, I finally found the vendor:
http://www.FJAProducts.com/Default.asp?referral=Heat431
Ask for Francis James, I believe he's the FJ in FJA Products. He's a superbly kind fellow and will walk you through his products and answer all your questions.
Good luck and happy typing!
29
Backers
$953
pledged of $750 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Nov 29, 2012 -
Dec 30, 2012
- First created · 42 backed
- Heather Leavitt Martinez 816 friends
- Website: HeatherMartinez.com
Pledge $1 or more
2 backers
Every dollar counts! I, too, believe in the dollar vote. You will receive a thank-you email featuring a picture of my Valentine (typewriter).
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $5 or more
5 backers
You get it! Your $5 donation to the project will get you an original, hand-typed thank-you card (left blank so you may use it again).
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $15 or more
4 backers
You are down with type! Fifteen dollars gets you a set of three hand-typed thank-you or valentine cards complete with envelopes.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $25 or more
2 backers
You font-o-phile, you! Twenty-five dollars gets you the finished "I <3 …" typeface and a photograph, emailed to you, of your name typed on my typewriter.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $35 or more
1 backer
NEW REWARD! The "I <3 ..." typeface has become a family! For a pledge of $35, you will receive both the Normal and the Light versions of the typeface. And of course you still get a photo of your name typed on my Valentine and emailed to you at the end of the campaign.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $45 or more
3 backers
NEW REWARD! The "I <3 ..." typeface has become a family! For a pledge of $45, you will receive the Normal, Light and Bold versions of the typeface. And of course you still get a photo of your name typed on my Valentine and emailed to you at the end of the campaign.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $50 or more
5 backers Limited (45 of 50 left)
You represent type, plus you are an art collector, too! Fifty dollars also gets you the finished "I <3 …" typeface and a limited edition, signed Holgaroid (instant photo shot with a Holga) of your typed name or favorite phrase on my typewriter.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $75 or more
3 backers Limited (17 of 20 left)
You <3 type! Seventy-five dollars is a unique reward: you get a one-page, hand-typed love letter (your original message or I will creatively provide one for you) complete with carbon copy for you to keep. You also get the finished "I <3 …" typeface so you may type your own love letters at your convenience and when so inspired.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $100 or more
1 backer
You're a member of the lunch club! Your support of $100 gets you lunch, with me, to talk about type or any other creative idea you want to vet or talk shop about. Be the first Kickstarter member of my lunch club: get yourself to Durango, or we can meet up on my travels, and lunch is on me. And get all of the goodies mentioned previously, too!
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $175 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
Make "I <3 ..." your look! You'll receive your very own custom-designed, black-and-white monogram or name logo using the "I <3 ..." typeface to be used on your own print stationery or on your electronic communications. I will present you with three different name logo designs for you to chose from. You will then have the opportunity to offer feedback on one of the designs (two rounds) for finalization, and I will provide you with the file in your preferred format: JPG, PDF, BMP, PNG, EPS, AI, PSD, etc.).
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Pledge $250 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
You’re a type muse! Two hundred and fifty dollars will allow you and me to work together to create a simple typeface inspired by you! We will have a meeting so you can set the style, name it, and I will finish it off for the world to use. I keep the rights to use and sell it as a font, but you are ultimately the muse! And of course, you get all the great goodies listed previously.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Geek out with me! Your generous $500 donation gets you and two of your friends to share a day in the life in my studio to learn or discuss any of these topics and techniques: low-fidelity or alternative-process photography, graphic design (bring your own laptop), silkscreen, block printing, visual recording, or simple bookmaking. We can discuss what you are interested in ahead of time, and I'll provide a list of what you will need to bring. I'll supply any additional materials, including lunch! Anyone welcome; Durango is a great place to visit. Sorry, travel expenses not included.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $750 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
You’re a type hero! For a pledge of $750 or more, you get your own personalized handwriting (or other kind of) typeface, and you keep the rights all to yourself. This includes a meeting to discuss your idea and two reviews of the typeface before finalization. You can use it on your computer or share it with friends—it’s all yours! And I thank you for making my dream come true!
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013
