Beware hype without details
Remember the invention that was going to revolutionize transportation in the early 2000s? Apparently not…
My Three Fontstruct Color Competition Entries
Every so often, Fontstruct has a themed competition and the current competition focuses on the new color features. I’ve pulled together three color designs that try to use color in different ways — a pattern, a bright multicolor whimsical design and a 3D effect. One of the fun things about the competitions is the amazing creativity that comes out of the community. Fonstructors can interpret the theme is very different ways and it’s always amazing to see the varied approaches driven by a simple prompt.
Remember the hype leading up to the introduction of the Segway? Never believe the hype until you actually know what the product is…
Wrapped up a really long middle school lacrosse season. Ryan had a great season in goal and he’s continuing to learn the craft, but I am incredibly glad that we’re done for a little while.
I’m taking a six-week summer grad school class for the first time… and damn, there is a lot of work in a short time.
Spending the morning at the Subaru dealership while they make a warranty repair to our Outback. It’s a pretty nice customer lounge with extremely average coffee.
Luxury experience
Reflecting on a favorite hotel in Charleston, SC that was just honored as one of the best in America.
Did some grad school work after watching the Andor finale… I had some weird dreams mashing up the two…
Color fonts and signal flags
I’ve been thinking about color fonts lately. Experimenting with the color fonts features in Fontstruct and Glyphs. Trying to better understand how to create color fonts. And while I’m starting to understand how they are made, I’m left with one major question… why? Why do we need color fonts? If you don’t know, fonts are typically monochromatic. Black and white only. Color is applied in software like Adobe Illustrator or Microsoft Office.
Loved this: Stop Trying to Raise Successful Kids. And start raising kind ones.
Overemphasizing individual achievement may cause a deficit of caring. But we don’t actually have to choose between the two. In fact, teaching children to care about others might be the best way to prepare them for a successful and fulfilling life.
On tiredness
Reflecting on feeling tired and worn down.
I have no tolerance for people who preach compassion, but have no compassion.
Leo XIV is notably the first person named Bob to become Pope.
Prom pictures for my Jilly.
I’m writing a paper for class and I’ve just had to cite myself for the first time. That’s a pretty funny feeling…
I know that students love the food delivery robots, but my favorite campus robot is the little grass cutting bot over by the observatory.
I need to finish a couple of class projects for the semester, but instead, I’m designing typefaces.
Clean Slate
Slate Auto announced their new electric pickup truck this week, and I’m intrigued. If you haven’t heard about it, the Slate is a barebones electric truck — intended to be customized — all for under $20,000 with current Federal EV incentives.1 Some of these ideas have been tried before. Jeeps have always promoted modularity and customization. The Slate uses plastic body panels like Saturn did. Toyota tried to target youth with Scion, which was intended to be heavily customizable.
The Cubs' offense is fun to watch this year. I’m glad they score lots of runs, because the team sure gives up lots of runs.
Return to Fontstruct
About 16 years ago, I started playing around with Fontstruct, an online tool for crafting modular typefaces. I’ve released 48 designs on Fontstruct and some of those have served as prototypes for designs that I finish in Glyphs, my favorite type design app. I tend to work in Fontstruct intensively for a while, and then disappear for a year or more. But I love the tool and contribute as a “Patron.