We created a custom font in two styles for Brown University Athletics’ wide range of applications in apparel, signage, and screens, with language support appropriate for the university’s international community. We also provided refinements to the department’s existing wordmarks to align better with the new typeface.
We were asked by Brown University Athletics to finalize their new logotype, and to create an accompanying pair of display typefaces to be the voice of their updated identity in both digital communications and printed merchandise. Brown University Athletics had internally created a diverse palette of new logotypes and monograms, and enlisted our expertise to take them over the finish line.
Brown University Athletics was looking for a collegiate typeface based on their monogram of the letter B. In designing the typeface, we also refined and streamlined the variety of their existing wordmarks.
We created a limited character set of only capital letters, numbers, and basic punctuation, with broad language support to accommodate Brown’s international community. We started with a solid version of the typeface, creating a familiar but fresh take on the classic font-for-sports: slab-serif, angular, and octagonal. Its job is to be easily combinable with and flattering to the family of logotypes.
We took the solid typeface and created an outline version, re-drawing and re-spacing as necessary. We considered making the styles usable on top of one another to mimic the effect of a multi-colored font. But that would mean that neither of them would look as good standing alone, and after discussing the options with the client, we all agreed instead to give each of the two styles their best color and spacing individually. So while they cannot be stacked on top of one another, they each shine as individuals.
Creating an outline typeface is a bit more involved than simply using an automated tool. Each contour needs to be finely tuned to give the illusion of a monoweight outline.
The horizontal monograms are based on the custom typeface, modified ever so slightly for the best lockup. Complete with the singular B mark, arched wordmarks, solid and outline typefaces, Brown University can design an extensive array of apparel for their athletes.
This logotype family and pair of display typefaces are to be used across environments and physical signage, as well as both internal and external communication materials.
