Exterior Typography For The Pearl Exchange

I was given the great opportunity recently of designing some typography for the Pearl Exchange here in Bude, here's a look at the process!

Conceptualizing Design

I was shown the visual direction with quick mockups and began to put together a slightly more realised version of what the final might look like. I used this mockup to create a grid for the process, establishing an anchor point in the centre of the door. Additionally - I aimed to align the angle of the text at its extremes; to the roof of the building, in order to create visual harmony with the building.

Gridding Up

Once the initial design was approved and all arrangements for a scaffold tower were in place - I made a start creating a make-shift large scale compass from a long piece of string, with chalk attached to one end. With the other end tied to a screw in a piece of wood that I wedged between the door frame as an anchor point, I next began to measure up the space and apply the original design.

After finding the centre point of the building, I measured outward equally, so that the type was consistent. Then, created the arch with the large compass and gridded that equally into four equal quarters. Using masking tape, I worked out consistent spacing between all the kerning (that's the spacing between the letters) and began to chalk in the characters.

After coming back the next morning hoping that the rain had not washed off the chalk, I spent the morning checking measurements and making small tweaks before applying the broad strokes of the type in paint.

Finally I masked off straight edges of letters and gave them a crisp edge and sharp corners with a smaller brush. All that was left to do was wash off the chalk lines and stand back!

(apologies for the squinting, it was bright up there.)

Realising The Vision

For everyone wondering past wondering 'what's this going to be'? - the new typography gave the building an identity and in turn; was the realisation of a milestone and the incredibly hard work everyone at the Pearl Exchange put in for their relocation.

Credit: @the.pearl.exchange

My Gratitude To The Pearl Exchange

For the first time taking on something at this scale myself, I think the final typography has turned out well, and again - I thank the Pearl Exchange for the opportunity! If you haven't yet - go and pop your head in and meet the lovely people that run it. [Check out what's on here]

If you want to get in contact with me for a type/graphic project, you can start a project here: [WillMW | Start Project]

Thanks for reading,

Will