Klaws Typographic design experiment

Ever since I was a kid I have always been a big fan of graffiti type. On a train en route to the studio in Manchester, I saw a piece and was inspired. So upon arrival, at design studio Superfried HQ I immediately started to work on some numeral styles as a personal project. Inevitably the results were nowhere near as cool and looked nothing like graffiti type!

However, they were certainly interesting and worthy of further design experimentation. Starting with the number 2, it was clear that the type style would be challenging. A distinct tapered claw aesthetic was emerging. It was strong, but it would be taxing to carry this element through the typographic design of every numeral. Perseverance and design experimentation paid off. Numerous design iterartions later, the design solutions for the complete numeral set felt consistent.

The dominant claw-like feature throughout led to the logical name for the typographic experiment. With Klaws established as the project title, the required letters were developed in the same type style. This required even greater design experimentation, and like the original graffiti type, severely pushed the boundaries of legibility!

With the design solutions for the numerals and project name complete in 2D, I then experimented with them further in C4D. For the 3D typographic renders, I experimented with a mixture of materials. The sweeping curves leading to extreme points led to perilous, gravity-defying structures reminiscent of contemporary architecture. This realisation combined with the original source of inspiration led to concrete as an obvious material choice. In stark contrast, this was combined with high-end interior finishes such as polished wood and metal to dramatic effect.