NYC Subway Font
An experimental set of letterforms made from sections of the new NYC subway map.
Designed in Advanced Graphic Design: Ad Hoc Series and Systems with Julian Bittiner.
Typeface Design
Visual demonstration of the creation of letterforms from the new subway map.
The redesigned, Vignelli-esque NYC subway map uses rectilinear strokes to represent the different subway lines throughout the system. A city enthusiast and a longtime railfan, I used this new map as a guide to create an experimental, modular typeface that celebrates the subway.
Letter “A” stylized with colors and bullets consistent with the colors and bullets in the new subway map.
The letterforms stay faithful to the subway’s layout. Strokes terminate at subway stops, curves follow the exact angles of the lines, and line thickness stays consistent with the thickness used in the new map
Set of three posters spelling out “M,” “T,” “A” using letterforms from the NYC subway font and featuring memorable quotes from subway riders on Reddit.Two posters featuring “NEW YORK CITY” spelled out using letterforms from the subway typeface.
Each letterform has two variants — one larger and one smaller — to help ensure space efficiency in posters, signage, and other uses.
Letterforms “A” — “D”
Letterforms “D” — “G”
Letterforms “H” — “K”
Letterforms “K” — “O”
Letterforms “O” — “S”
Letterforms “S” — “V”
Letterforms “W” — “Z”
Letterform “Z”
I pitched this typeface to the MTA during their promotion of the new, redesigned subway map. I’m still waiting to hear back.