Typophile

Left Handed Design

qkeave

So, I've begun designing a typeface which mimics left handed characteristics. The way I see it I have two options: create a curled hand (crabclaw) or an uncurled hand.

Some characteristics include a reversed ductus for the "curled" hand.

If it is uncurled, which is the the way I'm leaning (pun intended) I am also considering a left leaning "roman" to incorporate the left leaning writing that occurs when writing on a horizontal page. Currently I am working towards this left leaning "roman" (is that the right term?) and a more upright italic. Because the strokes are pushed in this situation, I am considering a contrast that thins proportionately from the start of the upstroke.

SO

I was wondering if anyone knew of anything attempted like this before? Any special characters that are unique to left handed writing (I've heard whispers of the K), and any general thoughts.

qkeave

Oh, and the cross bars are drawn from left to right. Such as on t, f, A, E, F, H, T, X.

Hrant H Papazian

Interesting stuff. Visuals?

BTW you might like to read this:
http://www.typophile.com/node/48843
Especially John Hudson's experiments on page three.

hhp

qkeave

...that thread spiraled out of control.

>You want fervor, you got it.
.... wow

Hrant: Can I see, can I see?!
John Hudson: Can't you imagine, can't you imagine? :)
Me: I have so much more to imagine now

Visuals are secret (embarrassed since I learnt so much in the last 8 hours and need to rework it:\)

but here's a 1549 reverse italic (thats early right?)

Hrant H Papazian

Wow. Was there a hurricane when the guy wrote that?

hhp

Nick Shinn

there was also a "thread" of anamorphic painting during the renaissance, eg the skull in Holbein's Ambassadors, or Parmigiano's self-portrait in a sphericall mirror.

qkeave

@Nick
do you mean to say the 1549 reverse italic might have been inspired by that interest in reflections?

Nick Shinn

it's imposible To know where inspiration comes from, all one can note is similarities.

David Berlow

It's not early for writing and I think the page is set at a 45 degree angle and it was written with a right hand. It's a great find. I wonder who wanted read it enough to write it, and why.

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