Exploring typographic imaginaries
What if writing systems were not just meant for writing, but could also provide a creative space for artistic expression, free from utilitarian expectations? This is the question Lucas Descroix and Benjamin Dumond, of the type foundry Plain Form, enjoy exploring in their biannual, bilingual publication Plain Text.
Plain Text sets out to “explore typographic imaginaries beyond a strictly historical and technical framework, with a particular interest in the dormant potential of writing.” The two graphic designers invite contributions not only from type design specialists, but also from students and enthusiasts who have something to say on the subject.
“We champion a poetic approach to type design and envision Plain Text as a space where letters are freed from utilitarian expectations, allowing designers, writers, and typography enthusiasts to share their experiments, doubts, successes, and failures, thus contributing to a theory of type design that is at once poetic, eclectic, and collaborative.”
Making Letters an Experience
Drawing inspiration from esotericism, fiction, and sociology, the two founders offer a space for expression and reflection through letters, with a particular interest in signs and symbols. Their exploration of writing as a living practice opens up new realms of possibility, examining methods, experiments, and failures, as well as historical practices, mystical markings, and contemporary achievements in constant motion.
Each issue is printed in monochrome black, evoking the world of zines, where letters become patterns and illustrations. Lucas and Benjamin invite readers to “question the idea of typography” as a singular, coherent object with a clear purpose or a linear history, and instead to “imagine forms of writing that are not fixed, but constantly reinvented.”
Meet Us in Lyon for the Launch of Plain Text #4
To celebrate the release of the fourth issue of Plain Text, we’ll be welcoming Raoul Bonnaffé, who will give a talk on Renaissance writing systems and iconography, followed by Lucas and Benjamin, at our Lyon studio on October 29, starting at 6:30 PM. The event will also be streamed live online. If you’d like to register for the event, click here.
Among other things, the fourth issue of Plain Text features a collection of essays and fictional works, explores the concept of asemic writing—letters and signs without semantic meaning—and how to name them, introduces new Latin typeface designs, and reimagines letterforms through magical rituals and nature. You can explore the full contents of the issue or pre-order your copy here.
On the subject
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The cabinet of type punches, treasure of the Imprimerie Nationale
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