Flex Experimental laser cut type design

For the SF10x10 design project – celebrating a decade of Superfried design studio – I developed bespoke typography for numerals specifically for the project. The new number set worked well as part of the typographic designs for the SF10x10 design experiment but deserved a project of its own.

I am always looking for a new graphic design technique or medium, so on this occasion, rather than taking the bespoke typography into C4D to develop 3D renders I decided to create physical versions of the typographic designs. Legendary Manchester-based art and craft supplier, Fred Aldous had recently created a laser-etched sign for the Superfried studio door, so when they said they were keen to collaborate on a design project, I jumped at the chance.

Despite being around since 1886, Fred Aldous has moved with the times and accurately laser-cut my typographic designs in translucent neon and black perspex – something I had always wanted to do. The results were awesome. With the laser-cut numbers, counters, and cutout backdrops it was possible to create a variety of new and unexpected physical design iterations and compositions. Ironically, after all of the effort many observers immediately assumed the photographs were simply digital, 3D renders!

To continue with the design experimentation, After Effects was employed to create simple animation effects using trim paths.