Face-based Fonts

Forget handwriting fonts. The next generation of tailored typefaces will be based on...well, faces. Designer and technology whiz Mary Huang is pioneering the concept of a typographic photobooth with Typeface, custom software that translates facial dimensions into generative type design. Still a work in progress, the program draws letters based on the unique curves, angles, and proportions of a person's face. "Technology gives us opportunities to make type design more spontaneous and personal," says Huang, who is busy completing a downloadable version of her software. "Hopefully, I'll get this done quickly. Need to stop obsessing over how the letters are drawn for a bit."