SERP SKIN
Experimental Typography
Graphic Design
Experimental Typography
Graphic Design
TOOLS
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
YEAR
2022
2022
PROJECT BRIEF
The objective was to design a new variation of Helvetica Bold using unconventional materials and methods to alter its structure while preserving its essence. The project required creating a complete A-Z character set incorporating both analog and digital tools in the design process.
Inspired by an assignment by Rob Giampietro and Jake Dugard, this exploration challenged traditional type design through experimental techniques. The goal was not just to modify Helvetica but to reimagine its essence.
The objective was to design a new variation of Helvetica Bold using unconventional materials and methods to alter its structure while preserving its essence. The project required creating a complete A-Z character set incorporating both analog and digital tools in the design process.
Inspired by an assignment by Rob Giampietro and Jake Dugard, this exploration challenged traditional type design through experimental techniques. The goal was not just to modify Helvetica but to reimagine its essence.
CONCEPT & PROCESS
My design approach was inspired by experimenting with objects around me—photographing and scanning them to capture organic irregularities. I experimented with materials such as elastic bands, book pages, Venetian blinds, tie-dye canvas, beads, aluminum foil and fabric mesh.
My design approach was inspired by experimenting with objects around me—photographing and scanning them to capture organic irregularities. I experimented with materials such as elastic bands, book pages, Venetian blinds, tie-dye canvas, beads, aluminum foil and fabric mesh.
Out of all textures, I settled on a fabric mesh that introduced interesting variations to the original letterforms. The resulting shapes loosely echoed the texture of serpentine scales, evoking a sense of tension and mystique.
The contrast between Helvetica’s rigid structure and the fluid, shifting texture creates a sense of duality—balancing order and chaos.
To enhance this dark, enigmatic quality, I used a dark black background and a subtle green gradient for the letterforms themselves, reinforcing the associations of snakes with power, seduction, and the unknown.
The organic tactile quality of the mesh, along with intentional color choices, transformed the neutral letterforms of Helvetica Bold into a more expressive character set that is full of character.
