Hobson is a reverse-contrast typeface that explores the area between old western-style and futuristic, sleek typefaces. Named after the old saying "Hobson's Choice," this typeface explores the contradictions that come with decision-making.
This typeface is currently under construction—here's what needs finishing: the letterset (uppercase and lowercase forms, and some tweaking), numerals, basic punctuation, and ligatures.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/548708560842a2e7d73d10d765008bac/36ae09db-c8f5-4694-bca7-933e836594c1_rw_3840.png?h=ffb190b8ce3f77c9757379bbd697d0bc)
Concept
Hobson accentuates a forward reading movement and, perhaps, a look toward the future through its stark contrast. Its contrasting elements create both harmony and disruption, and the typeface allows for dialogue through contradictions: old and new, thick and thin, fast and slow.
Design
Hobson is designed with all elements strictly adjusting around a central x-height. This emphasizes the "train track" motion when reading a reverse-contrast typeface. The undulating ascenders and descenders provide some anomaly amongst the consistent letterforms.
Process
![Initial Sketches](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/548708560842a2e7d73d10d765008bac/c8f7a8f5-8e27-4c36-9198-adc26080b1b6_rw_1920.jpg?h=9cc34c522e5c4f38076bcc3e34225f4e)
Initial Sketches
![Initial Sketches](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/548708560842a2e7d73d10d765008bac/407b441d-36e2-435f-b093-c0b3c5413657_rw_1920.jpg?h=bc3c82865b5d74f03147c01560e00581)
Initial Sketches
![Lowercase forms](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/548708560842a2e7d73d10d765008bac/a7031c66-7c3b-419b-8e11-30e7119d259d_rw_1920.jpg?h=3b31136dd5b32fb2066705597df4aaab)
Lowercase forms
![Uppercase forms](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/548708560842a2e7d73d10d765008bac/98dd8a41-6235-46d1-bb50-adf8c9c1759a_rw_1920.jpg?h=3b21bb7627dcb6ae027daa2a7a67b47e)
Uppercase forms
![Text setting for spacing](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/548708560842a2e7d73d10d765008bac/e10d9ddc-2ea7-4ed0-9d63-15431b51ece8_rw_1920.jpg?h=e12e11a8af495681906a975e500118ab)