The design process for my pixel typeface began with a rectangular grid, inspired by the Quiz Show typeface from Atari, as featured in Toshi Omigari's Arcade Game Typography. I replicated the letterforms, creating a structure rooted in retro gaming aesthetics while adding my own creative spin. Motivated by a love for bitmap typography and a connection to my parents’ memories of Atari games and arcade culture, I aimed to capture the charm of pixel art in a fresh, dynamic way. Through meticulous exploration of pixel structure, I experimented with varying shapes and sizes, departing from a uniform grid to introduce texture and depth. Larger pixels emphasize bold geometric forms, while smaller ones bring intricate details, giving the typeface a sense of movement and dimension. This modular approach not only celebrates the nostalgia of classic arcade text but also reimagines it for modern versatility, blending timeless charm with innovative design.

The typeface, named Pikuseru (ピクセル), draws from the Japanese phonetic spelling of “pixel,” grounding its identity in the pixelated forms that define each character and capturing the playful spirit of retro arcade games through a nostalgic lens. This design is a bold homage to the pixelated charm of Japanese arcade and Atari games from the 1970s–80s, evoking the thrill of early video game aesthetics. Inspired by bitmap fonts and the low-resolution graphics of vintage consoles, I aimed to recreate the immersive feeling of classic arcades. Using pixels as the building blocks, I crafted letters with various pixel sizes and shapes, giving each character a distinctive, dynamic quality that evokes retro game screens while offering a fresh, modern twist.

The process started with a deep dive into pixel structure, examining how slight variations in shape and size can impact the readability and style of each character. Rather than sticking to a single pixel size, I embraced different proportions to add texture and depth to the typeface, making it visually engaging. The modular design approach allowed me to experiment with larger pixels for strong geometric edges and smaller, more intricate pixels for finer details, creating a sense of movement and dimension. This flexible pixel construction celebrates the charm of classic arcade text, allowing the typeface to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly versatile.

Style Variations

Square

Square 1
Square 2
Square 3
Square 4

Circle

Circle 1
Circle 2
Circle 3
Circle 4

Triangle

Triangle 1
Triangle 2
Triangle 3
Triangle 4

Diagonal

Diagonal 1
Diagonal 2
Diagonal 3
Diagonal 4

Rectangle

Rectangle 1
Rectangle 2
Rectangle 3
Rectangle 4
Rectangle 5
Rectangle 6

Download Typeface

Credits

Course: Typeface Design
Instructor: Dermot Mac Cormack
School: Tyler School of Art and Architecture

Bitmap Typeface

Type Design

A retro-inspired typeface design channeling classic Atari and arcade game aesthetics, crafted with different pixel shapes and sizes for a bold nostalgic twist.

Published: Dec 2024
Design: Sam Scherping
Typeface: Pikuseru