Lesson Learned: Working with Constraints

I have this sketchbook with different types of grid paper, which I often use for sketching type. This circular grid was the inspiration for my typeface, Quart Mosaic. I also created a second style, Quart Quilt, which has similar letterforms constructed from triangles.

The limitations of this grid created a fun challenge for me, like solving a puzzle. I am the type of person who does usually play by the rules in life, and I’ve found that in design, reasonable constraints can really spark my creativity. But then once I have a solid foundation, I can expound on it, like breaking a few rules to get the best result.

The posters were printed with a riso printer and included in a collaborative specimen book with other design students.