Dysto: A Font Forged in a Futuristic Dystopia
typeface is more than just a collection of letters; it’s a portal to a gritty, neon-drenched future. Drawing inspiration from iconic cyberpunk films like _Blade Runner_, type designer Joseph crafted Dysto with an unwavering vision. While the film’s signature aesthetic leaned towards mechanical rigidity, Joseph sought to create a typeface that not only mimicked its visual language but also possessed a sense of adaptable functionality, ready for the ever-evolving digital landscape.
He began his journey by building upon a foundation of strict, repeating modules positioned on a 90-degree grid. While seemingly restrictive, this framework fostered a unique approach to problem-solving. “As I ran into each new problem, I would solve it by adding a new module to solve my problems,” he says. This modular system allowed for meticulous construction, with each letterform painstakingly pieced together.
A Horizontal, Vertical World
One of Joseph’s key aims was to design a typeface capable of thriving in both horizontal and vertical orientations. This ambition led him to choose a monospaced format, ensuring visual consistency regardless of the direction. “I had a shot from _Blade Runner_ in my head where a collection of tall neon signs flash in the dark with vertical text on them,” he says “this was the world I was designing Dysto for.” This distinctive feature positions Dysto as a truly versatile typeface: imagine its bold inscription emblazoned on towering digital billboards or seamlessly integrated into scrolling projections in a cyberpunk megacity.
Beyond the Letters: Crafting a Dystopian Ecosystem
Recognizing the power of storytelling, Joseph collaborated with illustrator and writer Scott Pritchett to bring Dysto’s world to life visually. Pritchett was tasked with creating characters, scenes, and settings that would embody the essence of this futuristic dystopia.
“My favourite part of the process was creating this world the type would live within,” says Joseph. He briefed Pritchett to illustrate a dystopian world in graphic novel form. Pritchett responded by crafting smaller excerpts and tableaus, pieces of a larger, universe-spanning story.
Working concurrently on the promotional illustrations and typeface proved to be mutually beneficial. “We built this world together, and it happens to have a typeface in it,”
adds Joseph. This collaborative approach ensured a cohesive and immersive experience for anyone venturing into Dysto’s universe.
The Future of Typography: Dysto’s Variable Versatility
Dysto isn’t just aesthetically striking; it’s also built for the typography of tomorrow. Its variable nature allows for an unprecedented level of customization. With three axes of modification, contextual alternatives, and slanted variations, Dysto can adapt to a wide range of applications. Six widths and three weights are packed into a single variable font file, making it a truly adaptable tool for designers.
“It’s made for holographic advertising and augmented environments,” Joseph concludes, “it’s bold enough for the latest outer space outerwear, and its 22.5-degree slant pushes further than others dare to venture.” Whether gracing the digital storefronts of the future or emblazoned on our spacesuits, Dysto is poised to become the voice of a generation, a typeface that resonates with the grit, innovation, and
stylish rebellion of a world forever on the brink.
