Aran Display

This display typeface combines cultural clothing and decorative elements to explore a new approach to form and type design. I drew inspiration from the Aran sweater pattern, representing my Irish heritage, and the Bindi from Indian culture. After researching the meanings behind various Aran stitch patterns, I selected the Plaited (or Braided) stitch, which symbolizes the interweaving strands of life. The Bindi, traditionally signifying marriage and the role of the family protector, complemented this symbolism.

These meanings informed a typeface that balances structural clarity and ornament. The soft curves and interwoven forms echo the texture of Aran knitting, while subtle circular accents reference the Bindi–bringing both tactility and symbolism into the letterforms. Once finalized, the letterforms were presented in a poster and animated into a GIF, shown below.