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.
View Type Specimen
Course: Typeface Design
Instructor: Dermot MacCormack
School: Tyler School of Art and Architecture