AprÈs Sans
PROJECT TYPE
Brand Identity & Bespoke Typeface Creation
TOOLS
Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, & Photoshop
DELIVERABLES
Après Sans Typeface, Mockups, Type Specimen Book
Après Sans is a bespoke typeface designed specifically for Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in NC. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sugar Mountain is known for its elevation and expansive slopes. The typeface draws direct inspiration from the resort’s physical landscape and history, translating the feeling of the mountain into letterform.
The structure of the letterforms are tall and condensed, referencing the height of the mountain itself. The internal negative spaces of the letters are intentionally shaped to echo ski and snowboard equipment. Après Sans balances function with character, designed to feel at home on trail signs, lodge branding, posters, and apparel.
Additional inspiration comes from vintage sugar bags. These references connect the typeface to the mountain’s history while keeping it contemporary and approachable.
FORM DECISIONS
I began with core letters—A, B, H, X, P, and O—focusing on consistent sizing and form. Establishing a few key shapes early in the process helped create cohesion across the typeface. For instance, the internal shape of the ‘A’ became a guide, influencing the design of subsequent letters and helping maintain visual consistency.
REVISIONS
As the typeface developed, a number of digital adjustments were required. Refining the internal negative space of letterforms like F and E, rounding corners, and ensuring consistency across the entire type system were key steps in the process.
