Kanon Foundry Revives 1973 Typeface with Versatile New Design

In a bold move to breathe new life into a vintage typeface, Kanon Foundry's Tor Weibull has reimagined Ad Werner's Paperclip Contour, originally created in 1973. This innovative redesign, named Clippy, aims to make the typeface more versatile and suitable for digital platforms.

Weibull, who co-founded Kanon Foundry in 2019, discovered Paperclip Contour while admiring the cover of The Drifters' album Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies. Although the original typeface boasted an intriguing modular design, its limitations—such as the lack of uppercase letters—hampered its usability. Weibull's solution was to fill in the contours and add uppercase letters, transforming the typeface into a comprehensive toolkit for modern typographers.

Clippy is optimized for digital applications, featuring refined curves and improved optical adjustments for a fresh, dynamic look. The typeface, with its playful character, comes in fifteen styles that encompass a variety of weights, allowing for flexibility in design. It embodies a retro-futuristic aesthetic, complete with glyphs reminiscent of quirky symbols and engaging movement.

Weibull’s process included inspiration from modular lettering and CNC engraving techniques, further enhancing Clippy's unique appeal. The revisions, such as the redesign of the lowercase 'j' to alleviate spacing issues, reflect a thoughtful approach to typography that prioritizes both form and function.

“The most obvious change was turning the contour style into a filled typeface,” said Weibull, highlighting the typeface's energetic and engaging nature. Clippy stands as a testament to the potential of historical typefaces in the digital era, ensuring that classic designs remain relevant and exciting.

Source: www.itsnicethat.com