Restraint by Marian Bantjes with Ross Mills

Designed by Marian Bantjes
with Ross Mills
Published by Tiro Typeworks
Winner TDC2 2008

In Use


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Typefaces of 2007 index »

Marian Bantjes’ background as an illustrator gives her a different perspective on the creation of a typeface. Where the majority of ornamental type begins with a typeface onto which swashes and decoration are added, the typeface Restraint, designed in collaboration with typographer Ross Mills, was built inside-out. The characters themselves have been defined by the negative space of the ornament, as if the letterforms are just a lucky happenstance. Ornate borders and swirly pattern based designs magically reveal themselves as words.

This non-conventional typeface requires thought - you truly have to think differently when designing with it. Although no kerning is required, you need to be aware of the glyphs both above and below each character. Similar to ASCII art, Restraint requires a plan to be successful. You truly need to pull up a chair and spend some time with it.

— Corey Holms is a poster and identity designer in Southern California. His recent forays into type design can be found at Veer.