The next release from insigne will be an informal script font. For those just now tuning in, insigne releases at least one script font a month. The market demands it, so we must comply. Actually, it's amazing what you can learn from a script; the variations on the letterforms can sometimes work in unusual settings. "Upright Italics" are all the rage now days, and unique letterforms can actually enhance legibility. I think I will write an extended feature on the "upright Italics" in coming days, so stay tuned.
Carta Marina is based on the titling found on the famous map drawn by Olaus Magnus in 1539. The map of northern Europe took 12 years to complete, and the total size is a huge 1.7 meters tall by 1.25 meters wide. More information about the map, as well as the high resolution reference document used to create the typeface and illustration set can be found at the James Ford Bell Library, University of Minnesota. The titling is slightly aged, very sturdy and elegant. Carta Marina includes a full set of OpenType alternates for every character in the English alphabet, oldstyle figures, historical forms, small caps and 64 discretionary ligatures. These ligatures are used to alter the appearance of the type so that the printing appears realistic and without any duplicate letters to detract from the antique appearance. The Carta Marina family also includes some of the unique illustrations that give the map much of its character. It includes depictions of fanciful sea creatures, land animals a
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