This project was an exploration in combining digital and physical tools to create custom lettering. My process started by printing the letters PATIO on cheap 20# paper. Then I went to town on them, folding, crumpling, scraping off ink, ripping and taping back together, really anything to organically alter the texture of the ink.

Then I photocopied the new letters, and repeated the process of distressing the photocopied version, and repeated this process several times.

Next I digitally scanned the lettering and further manipulated the images in Photoshop and Illustrator, rearranging the letters to create as much tension as possible while maintaining readability. I started with the letters PATIO but then expanded the project to the whole alphabet.