Micro trends: Typographic influences

2: Object font

Some designers are wittily manipulating everyday objects to create playful, spontaneous fonts. Formed from gathered, scavenged and collected objects, these alphabets are becoming some of the most interesting of 3D fonts around thanks to their emphasis on the physical characteristics of the original letterforms.

Jonas Buntenbruch’s Fuck Experimental Type is built using objects for fonts. The self-initiated project uses found objects from his workspace, playfully pushing the boundaries of spelling-out messages. Similarly, Junk 2010 by Christina Wildgrube is a collection of found objects from Chicago, from which she has developed her own unique take on an entire alphabet.

Making fonts out of objects appeals to consumers that appreciate uniqueness and playfulness. Happypeppy, by I LIKE BIRDS, taps into this with its letters made from ribbons, which users associate with unwrapping presents.

Inspired by the special feelings that people get from surprises, Happypeppy celebrates the individuality of the experience.