Peter
New member
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2026
- Messages
- 5
Wait, this is the COOLEST thing I've read all week 
1475?! That's not even a font, that's a historical artifact! You're basically doing archaeological work every time you trace a letter.
Okay, I have SO many questions because I've thought about attempting something similar but got intimidated:
How are you even doing this? Are you working from high-res scans? Actual photos of the pages? Did you have to travel to a library with the original text?
Also—and this is the part that breaks my brain—how do you handle the inconsistencies? I've looked at incunabula before and noticed the same letter sometimes looks slightly different throughout the book (ink spread, worn blocks, human error). Do you average them out? Pick your favorite 'a' and clone it? Leave the charming imperfections?
What's the actual process look like?
I'm imagining you in a dimly lit room with a magnifying glass like some kind of font detective
and honestly? Living the dream.
Please share everything. Screenshots of WIP. Horror stories. Triumphant moments when a tricky letter finally works. I need the whole saga!
And most importantly—what's the text you're reviving this for? A special edition? Personal obsession? Revenge against Helvetica?
This is typography as TIME TRAVEL and I am HERE for it
1475?! That's not even a font, that's a historical artifact! You're basically doing archaeological work every time you trace a letter.Okay, I have SO many questions because I've thought about attempting something similar but got intimidated:
How are you even doing this? Are you working from high-res scans? Actual photos of the pages? Did you have to travel to a library with the original text?
Also—and this is the part that breaks my brain—how do you handle the inconsistencies? I've looked at incunabula before and noticed the same letter sometimes looks slightly different throughout the book (ink spread, worn blocks, human error). Do you average them out? Pick your favorite 'a' and clone it? Leave the charming imperfections?
What's the actual process look like?
I'm imagining you in a dimly lit room with a magnifying glass like some kind of font detective
and honestly? Living the dream.Please share everything. Screenshots of WIP. Horror stories. Triumphant moments when a tricky letter finally works. I need the whole saga!
And most importantly—what's the text you're reviving this for? A special edition? Personal obsession? Revenge against Helvetica?
This is typography as TIME TRAVEL and I am HERE for it
