Varnish
Varnish is a customizable typeface which uses the .otf format to archive hand-lettering on used car lots and automotive repair garages on Woodward Avenue; a historic stretch of road which connects Detroit to Pontiac, Michigan.
Using Python programming and OpenType, Varnish gives the user the ability to modify the typeface—akin to how one modifies the form and function of their car. Alternates, ligatures, specialized dingbats, and a jumping baseline option provide a defamiliarized relationship in the experience of using and setting letterforms. Varnish is coded to allow user-controlled ‘manual selection’ to change-out letters, ligatures, and figures—as well as automated options—making the typographic possibilities (nearly) endlessly variable.
Using Python programming and OpenType, Varnish gives the user the ability to modify the typeface—akin to how one modifies the form and function of their car. Alternates, ligatures, specialized dingbats, and a jumping baseline option provide a defamiliarized relationship in the experience of using and setting letterforms. Varnish is coded to allow user-controlled ‘manual selection’ to change-out letters, ligatures, and figures—as well as automated options—making the typographic possibilities (nearly) endlessly variable.
