Typophile

How do you combat unoriginality?

phattexta

Basically, I’m just starting out in type design. The biggest problem I face is that, whether we like it or not, we all walk around and subconsciously take in things and copy them later. So I suppose my question is: How do you know that your design, something you may indeed spend years developing, is original, or at least different enough from what’s out there? It seems impossible to be aware of ALL typefaces out there. The good ones, yes that’s possible, but there must be unknown type designers out there doing fantastic work.

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bobbybobo

Hi There

It is hard to be original.

What I always try to do is design a concept first and then the actual design.
Everything you do has been done before by an other. Being 100% original is impossible.
You could try, but it is hard.

It is no shame looking around for inspiration. But, be aware of copying.
If things have no purpose, just leave them out.

I a way trends are an example of this. Light letters, gradients ... you see them around.
Are you less original when using that? I think it is about communication.
What is it you want to communicate.

If you can start a trend, I think you are original. Even though the actual trend has been done before.

I hope this helps.

Jos Buivenga

If you’re not sure, you can always post it on Typophile. You can also use WhatTheFont to see if your first sketches match other designs.

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