From Calligraphy to Digital Fonts: My Journey into Typeface Design
When I started designing digital fonts, I had no idea what font design really was. I just knew I wanted to create fonts that included Polish and German special characters, because I couldn’t find any that suited my needs. So I started creating my own. And from that first moment, I was hooked. What began as a workaround quickly turned into a passion.
Font design is the process of developing typefaces that work digitally — creating the letterforms, adjusting the spacing (kerning and tracking), and adding all the special characters and symbols. It also involves making sure the final font works across different platforms and programs. I design my fonts using FontCreator, a powerful tool that allows me to turn vector drawings into working fonts. My process usually begins with an idea or inspiration — often a vintage source — and then I sketch or trace letters, scan or digitize them, and work with bezier curves to refine their shape.
My fascination with fonts truly began the day I discovered an old Senta typewriter in my grandmother’s attic. This beautifully built, weighty machine carried the marks of time — and each letter it typed had a distinct, charming character that instantly captivated me. I was so inspired by its aesthetic that I wanted to bring it back to life digitally, to preserve and share that vintage feel in a modern format. That’s how my very first typewriter-inspired font came to life.
Buy the Senta Font
Curious about the machine itself? You can read the full story behind the Senta typewriter here: More about the Senta machine
A very Short History of Font Design
Font design has evolved from the earliest handwritten manuscripts to the moveable type of Gutenberg’s printing press, through industrial-era metal type foundries, and into the modern era of digital typography. From calligraphy and lead typesetting to pixel-perfect digital files, each step has allowed designers more freedom and precision. Today, font creation is a mix of tradition, craft, and technology.
About Musteralphabete
Their clean forms and creative character make them a perfect source for digitization — ideal for modern design projects with a nostalgic or artistic flair. One of my fonts inspired by these samples, particularly the work of Prof. W. Krause, can be found here:
Retro Schrift Krause
Explore My Font Collection
If you also love digital fonts, here are a few I’ve created — feel free to explore my store and find something that fits your own creative projects.
