TEXTTILE

TextTile is a system of heavy sans titling faces which can be utilized to carry a repeating chromatic pattern across words and letters. It stands apart from other chromatic faces, where layered effects typically interact only within each letter and do not carry through from one letter to another.

The pattern repetition across letters of varying widths is achieved through OpenType substitution, using conditional alternates for each successive letter to allow for a seamless appearance across words, regardless of letter combinations. Though the pattern exists on a strict grid and the letters’ widths and spacing must be highly regular in order to preserve the pattern repeat, the letterforms themselves are not rigid; rather, they appear organic, lively.

The initial release includes patterns inspired by a classic buffalo plaid, separated into its horizontal and vertical components to maximize the creative possibilities for layering one-, two-, three-, and even four-color plaid patterns. Kits are available to produce the plaid pattern in detail—with overlapping diagonal hatching fully visible—or as a simplified version in which transparency can be used to simulate plaid or to create a checkered or striped effect.

The TextTile family of fonts is a flexible canvas for mixing and matching a broad array of patterns to create a unique look. Check back for more pattern releases and take a look at the online specimen to see what is possible with the current offerings.