TYPEFACE DESIGN
2025 2024 2023
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
RESHMA VIJAYAN
MADRASI
INSTAGRAMMadrasi is a custom typeface that blends the classic charm of antiqua with a modern edge, characterized by its sleek abd sharp stroke endings and arrow-headed serifs. The design of the typeface is influenced by the broad nibs used in old-style fonts, which are combined with geometric shapes to infuse traditional elements with contemporary appeal.
The inspiration for Madrasi’s glyph design can be traced back to the Devanagari typeface. Devanagari is an Indian script that is commonly used for writing Hindi, Marathi, and Sanskrit, among other languages. Like Devanagari, Madrasi’s design emphasizes the importance of stroke weight and directionality to create distinct letterforms.
TYPEFACE DESIGN
2025
2024
2023
INSTRUCTOR
Christopher Sleboda
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Amanda Mundy (2025), Ash Wei (2024)
DESIGN
Erica Pritchett · Built with Cargo
ABOUT
This site documents student work from an advanced typeface design course taught by Christopher Sleboda and open to students in the MFA Graphic Design and BFA Graphic Design programs at Boston University, as well as students in the School of Visual Arts—including those in the new Visual Narrative MFA. The course provides a rigorous introduction to the conceptual and technical processes involved in creating original digital typefaces. Students explore the foundations of letterform construction—including structure, proportion, counterform, spacing, and rhythm—while developing their own typefaces.
Through research, sketching, and the use of digital tools like RoboFont, students engage with typographic history and contemporary practice to design functional and expressive typefaces. Each student produces a working font and a printed type specimen. This site showcases the results of that work, reflecting diverse design approaches and a deep engagement with the craft of type design.