Naming my Typeface has proven to be difficult there are some thing that need to be considered based on utility, marketability, and aesthetics.
Utility
An important factor when it comes to naming my typeface is that the name embodies the typeface. Although the name does not have to generally representative the style of the typeface, the name nevertheless imprints onto the typeface, and so a typeface becomes both the design and the name. As such, i should always think of what a name denotes or connotes. What things does the name conjure up, and does it reflect well onto my typeface?
An idea i had to give users quick access to my typeface is to name the typeface something that starts with an A or possibly even a number, so that it will appear at the top of the user’s font list. Another idea that could work is to name the typeface something starting with a rare letter, such as Q. The fewer fonts somebody has installed, the least likely it is that they have fonts starting with Q. If the user were to type Q in the font menu, they would immediately see my typeface.
Marketability
Memorability — A name should be memorable. I think of names like Helvetica, Univers, Arial, and Futura. The names are clear and relatively short, which makes them easy to remember and easy to market.
Impact — Names should make impact. Shorter names tend to make more impact (think of DIN – one i always remember), but a few more letters may be needed for a name that distinguished itself from others. But also that a name like Futura is quite a bit stronger in terms of linguistic impact, visual impact, and connotations than Gill sans.
Aesthetics
I find it important to include letters in the name which i definitely want to show as they reflect positively onto my typeface. For example, if the typeface has a rather unusual ‘a’, it is probably good to make sure that letter is in the name. This is not only smart from a marketing perspective, but i can control the impression the user gets from my typeface. But also, i just want to show some beautiful letters; letters like ‘a’, ‘e’, ‘g’, ‘n’, ‘s’, and ‘y’ could be common for lowercase letters. Of course i have not forgot the first letter is capitalised!
To sum up the name has to be unique, relatively short, carry the proper connotations, and feature as many unique or beautiful letters as possible in a name of a given length.
Possible Names
All names will be checked on the link above for copyright purposes.
- Albert
- Antel
- Aamley
- Bernard
- Hunter
- Hardy
- Harvest
- Hudson
The final name I went with was a combination of previous ideas Hamley was chosen as a result because it displays some of my favourite characters and its got a vintage yet modern feel to the name.
Final Major Project 