Pretext:
Firstly, if anyone has any real examples of font modification briefs – that they'd be happy to share (private info censored) – I would really appreciate it. I realize that this might be a big ask. Secondly, if anything here sounds unfair or inconsiderate – please call me out on it. I'm trying to figure out what type of proposals might be fair, or not.
Context:
Many fonts do not have sufficient support for content creation in an academically diverse organization, particularly in terms of diacritics / compound chars. Due to our workflows, that rely on pre-determined text specifications / series designs, choosing a font based on a specific title is rarely an option. The majority of titles use specifications based on an automated system, that does not pass through our design team.
The idea of a plain vanilla one-size-fits-all in Latin script is not appropriate for our organisation's culture at this point. The first step for us is to optimize our microtypography*. To achieve this seamlessly, with minimal disruption to the production schedule, modifications are required. If this is successful, the next step would be a focus on further cost-saving mechanisms…
I'm starting to think about how we can approach font modifications. So far we've been substituting, or adapting / creating custom glyphs based on FLOSS fonts, single weight. These instances are rarities not regularities. Usage is print only / PDF use, in a publication-type reading environment. Ideally, it would be great to move towards a standardized process, but that's only possible within a specific budget.
1) What information do you detail? How many examples do you prefer to see?
2) Pricing structure, in your view what are fair points for negotiation. For example:
2.1) Usage limited to a single ISBN / series.
2.2) Complexity of glyph / char, e.g.
2.5) Multiple modifications at different points in time – can these be added to one "extended" font version? Is there opportunity for a model with an initial up-front cost, and then a fixed amount for each subsequent modification?
3) Do foundries have preferred freelancers, or is everything achieved in house – for both licenses that permit mods, and those which do not. Equally, if modifications are made to a FLOSS font - is it fair to continue the license as FLOSS?
4) Reasonable schedule / timeframe…?
5) Other considerations?
Firstly, if anyone has any real examples of font modification briefs – that they'd be happy to share (private info censored) – I would really appreciate it. I realize that this might be a big ask. Secondly, if anything here sounds unfair or inconsiderate – please call me out on it. I'm trying to figure out what type of proposals might be fair, or not.
Context:
Many fonts do not have sufficient support for content creation in an academically diverse organization, particularly in terms of diacritics / compound chars. Due to our workflows, that rely on pre-determined text specifications / series designs, choosing a font based on a specific title is rarely an option. The majority of titles use specifications based on an automated system, that does not pass through our design team.
The idea of a plain vanilla one-size-fits-all in Latin script is not appropriate for our organisation's culture at this point. The first step for us is to optimize our microtypography*. To achieve this seamlessly, with minimal disruption to the production schedule, modifications are required. If this is successful, the next step would be a focus on further cost-saving mechanisms…
*Microtypography has to do with the details; setting the right glyph, getting the appropriate kerning and tracking, and making stylistic choices such as when to use small-caps. Micro techniques have received a lot of attention recently, as browser makers adopt new CSS attributes that allow for finer control over Web type. Microtypography deals mainly with legibility and can be thought of as the design of letters and words.First steps:
I'm starting to think about how we can approach font modifications. So far we've been substituting, or adapting / creating custom glyphs based on FLOSS fonts, single weight. These instances are rarities not regularities. Usage is print only / PDF use, in a publication-type reading environment. Ideally, it would be great to move towards a standardized process, but that's only possible within a specific budget.
1) What information do you detail? How many examples do you prefer to see?
2) Pricing structure, in your view what are fair points for negotiation. For example:
2.1) Usage limited to a single ISBN / series.
2.2) Complexity of glyph / char, e.g.
- adding a compound glyph for dotted h <ḥ>;
- vs. PUA Chinese Chars;
- vs. OT features for variants / shaping rules.
- Latin-based compound diacritics, for which combining forms can be sourced in the font;
- Limited icon range / simple-form icon range.
2.5) Multiple modifications at different points in time – can these be added to one "extended" font version? Is there opportunity for a model with an initial up-front cost, and then a fixed amount for each subsequent modification?
3) Do foundries have preferred freelancers, or is everything achieved in house – for both licenses that permit mods, and those which do not. Equally, if modifications are made to a FLOSS font - is it fair to continue the license as FLOSS?
4) Reasonable schedule / timeframe…?
5) Other considerations?
