The making of the Staromoskovsky typeface
The art director suggests we have a look at old Moscow street name plates.
![type staromoskovsky process 01](type-staromoskovsky-process-01.gif)
Going out and studying. Finding the styles we need.
![type staromoskovsky process 02](type-staromoskovsky-process-02.jpg)
Looking for stylistically similar typefaces. Examining character shapes.
![type staromoskovsky process 03](type-staromoskovsky-process-03.gif)
It turns out, the plates use typefaces that are similar in style, yet are different. It’s enough to compare just a couple of characters to see that. Artifacts such as dots instead of breve above the letter И are also present. There is also a sense of continuity in the shape of half-uncial letters. Having the last look at all the reference images for inspiration and putting them away.
Leaving a few principles that we will use to convey the desired typeface character: proportion of characters, contrast, triangular serifs, narrow letters and wide digits.
![type staromoskovsky process 04](type-staromoskovsky-process-04.jpg)
Drawing the first drafts.
![type staromoskovsky process 05](type-staromoskovsky-process-05.gif)
Trying the result on plates.
![type staromoskovsky process 06](type-staromoskovsky-process-06.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 07](type-staromoskovsky-process-07.gif)
Choosing between lower-case and upper-case letters. Deciding to abandon lower-case letters and work with upper-case only. Comparing to a historic plate.
![type staromoskovsky process 08](type-staromoskovsky-process-08.jpg)
Studying the digits on the photographs and drawing our own.
![type staromoskovsky process 09](type-staromoskovsky-process-09.gif)
The art director asks to change the 4.
![type staromoskovsky process 10](type-staromoskovsky-process-10.gif)
Trying to use the new typeface to type some texts.
![type staromoskovsky process 11](type-staromoskovsky-process-11.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 12](type-staromoskovsky-process-12.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 13](type-staromoskovsky-process-13.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 14](type-staromoskovsky-process-14.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 15](type-staromoskovsky-process-15.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 16](type-staromoskovsky-process-16.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 17](type-staromoskovsky-process-17.gif)
![type staromoskovsky process 18](type-staromoskovsky-process-18.gif)