THE 3REE

So I decided that it was time to take my custom fonts to the next level. This time I started with some real objectives for the font. Once built the custom font had to flow like a script font (one letter leading to the next). The second objective was to have a word or phrase appear as a complete graphic after completion. I didn’t want it to look fragmented in any respect from the flow of each letter in unison to the next or an individual glyph by itself. The last objective was to reach beyond the all caps version. In some of my recent type treatments seen here I have been refining those skills to achieve a font like this but never felt like the lettering had the potential to go the distance. As I complete any custom lettering I always ask myself “can this be a font” and often the answer is no. Most treatments I do just work for that word or phrase. I build with a narrow plan of just completing the word and never look beyond. Starting with objectives has really opened my eyes to how I have approached a “build” in the past. Moving forward “objectives” will be the foundation from which I start.

I love it when concept meets reality and the results are tangible. I worked up this custom type a while back to explore some different styles and knew upon completion that I had to take it a step further. I decided to take the custom type and have it built into a sign. I worked through the size and depth of each stage and sent it off. The actual pieces are cut from PVC and are very light weight. I matched my colors as close as possible (thank you Krylon for your wide variety) and went to it. Assembly was a bit tricky but I managed to get each piece secured. The finished product exceeded my expectations. Now I am looking at other custom type treatments I have done to see if they are PVC worthy.

So I have been hard at work building pages and pages of vector. My goal is to offer the standard pages of what I call “second stage” pieces (these are the fillers everyone uses to assist the design) as well as main focal points. Most of the vector illustrations or stock art I see out in the market are poorly executed and over priced. My intention is to offer the high end vector pieces like skulls, lions, eagles etc. That any designer can use as the main focal point. Most of the illustrations take about three to five hours to complete and are loaded with detail. I plan to launch the store in the next weeks as I finish up some custom fonts and other vector illustrations that I want to offer so check back soon.

In all the work I am doing lately customers want more of a custom feel when it comes to the shirt graphics. It is almost impossible at that point to use just a standard font (which I am rarely a fan of anyway). Each time I build the treatment I can’t help but to push on and finish the entire alphabet. This assists me with future projects needing custom fonts or straight custom lettering. When my shop is up I will be offering both clean sharp fonts as well as the above two. Follow up soon as I am getting ready to launch.

I am in the process of developing several custom fonts that will be for sale in THE3REE shop soon. My desire and focus is to build fonts that have more of a “designed” or “custom” feel to them. Too often when I am in the process of designing for clients I find myself moving far past customizing fonts in my library and fully creating original type sets check here. This led me to the conclusion that if I needed more custom lettering then so does every other designer out there. As I develop these font packages I will soon be adding more hand lettering styled fonts to the bunch. Stay tuned!

I am working on some high end stock vector images that will be for sale in the shop soon. These pieces will range in the subject matter but one thing will stay consistent… The detail! My goal is to have at least ten custom fonts and ten high end vector pieces. I will also be giving away some stuff as part of the grand opening of the shop so stay tuned.