A typeface mural is a simple decorative element that can really make a statement in your home. You don't need to wait to stumble upon a piece that is just right for you, though. You can make one for your own home overnight using your printer.
We came across this DIY, from Claire Zinnecker over at CamilleStyles, and loved how simple and easy the project was. Simply pick up a piece of MDF board at your local home supply store and a make a letter graphic of the same size. Print the graphic at home or at a local print shop, then simply adhere the piece over the MDF with adhesive. Done and done.
Want something more than this clean printed look? Here's another idea, from HousePoint0. You could print out the letters on your home printer onto adhesive backed sheets such as frisket paper. Cut out the stencils with an X-acto knife and overlay the sheets onto your medium, such as a primed and coated canvas.
With the stencils arranged, you can paint your message on with oils, acrylics, or watercolor — maybe even give that ombre technique that's all the rage a try. When the paint is dried, simply remove the frisket paper and, voila, your own personal masterpiece.
Don't feel limited to just words. Try mixing in graphics and photos to realize your vision. You can also get creative and try either of these techniques on other materials too — wood paneling, old cabinet doors, and even glass panes.
For more on these techniques, check out the following links:
• Graphic Signage on Print: CamilleStyles
• Painted Mural with Printed Stencils: HousePoint0
(Images: 1,2: Camille Styles 3,4: Chris Perez)
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Great article. I really love this print layout from ShipCo taken from Herman Snellings print. I'd gladly buy it though because I wouldn't be able to duplicate it as well: http://wl.am/w149
I see stretched type and it makes my brain hurt.
@Method, love your link!
Love that you picked SD areas.
I'd been thinking about doing this for my hometown for a while, so thanks for the DIY suggestions.
That first one looks like a Ross knockoff of an already hackneyed decor item. Only attempt this project if you have typography knowledge.
There is never an excuse to distort type as hideously as most of these signs do. It does not look cute or cool or fun; it's glaringly unattractive. We all understand the importance of making sure our just-so pinterest photos appear with the correct ratio, right? Why does the concept of type baffle so many people -- including those who claim to be designers?
I'm never fond of the "eat," "dream," etc., but all of these look a thousand times less horrible when basic rules of typography are considered.
It's impressive how the first sign manages to flagrantly disregard the rules of typography in such a way as to make any graphic designer's brain instantly explode into flames upon sight of it
Agreed, AART. I was going to post something about how typographically awful that first one was but everyone else beat me to it.
I may have discovered this link through AT, but perhaps not . . . .
www.wordle.net
Wordle is great for constructing "word clouds" using your choice of phrases, words, quotes, etc. It would be perfect for this project. So glad I could still find the link - recently lost my computer to a very nasty hard drive/motherboard crash - don't forget to backup your browser favorites, among the other things you back up.
Have fun with wordle, it is really a wonderful tool/plaything.
Glad to see other people's brains have exploded over this. Stuff like this belongs in the depths of Pinterest hell--not on AT.
I am so over the "advice on how to live a happy life" type art. At first, I kind of liked it. Now it reminds me of an annoying nagging self-help guru hanging on the wall by his suspenders. #debbiedowner
looks great. We used something like this as inspiration for a custom art work that we made with first graders for their school's art auction. You can see it here - http://www.solanabeachball.org/childrens-art/solana-vista-1st-grade/. Instead of cutting out letters with an X-acto knife, you can get a custom sticker made (we found someone on the internet to make it for $20). Way easier!