- Open the file in the software of your choice.
- Be sure to make a copy or save under a new name so the original file stays intact for future use.
- Grab a letter or two or three.
- Color them. Texture them. Break them apart.
- Use as drop caps.
- Create monograms.
- Use as part of a logo or wordmark.
Creating Balldrop
I've read that the first fonts that a lot of people attempt are either their own handwriting (I've done that) or some kind of geometric font. This one, with its circles and rectangles, qualifies as geometric.I created these letters in Adobe Illustrator. It is not based on any other specific typeface. I simple drew some circles and rectangles then began repeating them and flipping them around to form the basic letterforms. Once I had the general look I began creating certain rules for the placement of the dots, and how straight and curved bits interfaced with each other. Although I re-used bits and pieces I also tried to avoid making certain letters too much alike (W is not a flipped over M, for instance; I didn't do so good with E/F though).
Version 1 of Balldrop contains 26 capital letters. Some I rather like, such as M, W, Q, and F. Others, well they could use some work. For version 2 I may end up totally reworking some of the more awkward characters in addition to fine-tuning the others. Since I intended this for use primarily for drop caps and monograms I haven't done any numbers, punctuation, or other characters. A thru Z is all you get for now. These decorative letters look best at large sizes (24 point and greater).
I hope you find a letter or two useful.
Terms of Use: You are free to use the individual letters for personal or commercial projects in print or on the Web or on electronic devices (and if you do, I'd love to see an example and when it's practical, a credit linking back to http://desktoppub.about.com). However, the full set of letters and the original AI and EPS files are not available for redistribution or sale.
Download Balldrop v.1
Adobe Illustrator: Balldrop26.ai
Encapsulated PostScript: Balldrop26.eps
More Fun With Fonts
- Featured Free Fonts in Use, a small collection of fonts that I've found and like.
- Fonts, all the categories of free fonts both alphabetical and by theme.
- How to Make Fonts, tutorials from all over.
- Type Design Quotes, what type designers say about designing fonts.
