Jacob Davies

'Expression as Type' explores how to utilise a broad range of creative skills to design authentic and functional letterforms. By manipulating abstract ink marks within a grid to discover legible glyphs, it bridges the gap between analogue and digital techniques. From the 30 initial ink marks, nine constructed glyphs were refined to serve as potential starting points for a typeface. With a reflective methodological approach, the research topic was investigated through sketching, ink mark-making, and manual glyph creation techniques like cutting, rearranging, and gluing. This approach generated practical results and an adaptable method to create unique and original type in future endeavours, ultimately pushing the boundaries of the creative process.

The process and outcomes of this project are presented in a perfect-bound publication, accompanied by nine large vinyl-cut glyphs at the Te Wai Ngutu Kākā Gallery, AUT City Campus.