Ouroboros – Typeface
Description
Ouroboros, a typeface inspired by the past, the present, and again the past, the present… This is an original design based on historical scripts. A modern reinterpretation of English Capitals (handwritten scripts from the 9th & 10th centuries), which only existed as uppercase, now adding lowercase based on Arrighi’s work (a Humanist handwritten script from the 16th century), matching axis and adjusting optical sizes. Finally, the new system has been adapted for contemporary uses and tools, but again, the sources are consulted to add alternates and details. The result is a classical style with a modern twist, an undeniably contemporary typeface that provides a raw and intense look with a touch of elegance. The original reference allowed letter-by-letter decision-making; thus, several tweaks and modifications were needed to make it work as a font now, with automated solutions for spacing and ligatures. Optical size adjustment for a big x-height was imperative because of the significant serifs. This forced the design to have big counterforms to compensate for the large letter spacing they generated. As far as the axis, Arrighi’s work, like other Humanist sources, presents an angled one, something considered when matching with the mostly vertical axis on the English Capitals (this is also true on Caroline Capitals, also examined). Corresponding italics were designed from scratch as well. This typeface is recommended for headlines and short texts. Design by Ringo R. Seeber with the mentorship of Sumner Stone.
