IBM Plex Mono Type Specimen
Editorial Design, Typography

IBM Plex Mono Type Specimen
Editorial Design, Typography

IBM Plex Mono
Type Specimen
Editorial Design, Typography

IBM Plex Mono Type Specimen
Editorial Design, Typography

IBM Plex Mono Type Specimen
Editorial Design, Typography

2020

2020

2020

2020

IBM Plex is an open source typeface designed by Mike Abbink, in collaboration with an independent Dutch type foundry, Bold Monday. This self-directed type specimen highlights the typeface's monospace cuts.

IBM’s rich history was the main source of inspiration for the creation of this typeface, as they desired to seek a more unique and distinct voice and brand presence. The theme of man and machine is very prevalent throughout IBM’s history, and is heavily reflected through the letterforms. Soft, humanistic elements are often mixed with the more rigid and machine-like aspects.

I found it very interesting to learn about the history of the company, sift through archival photos, past design decisions, and the purpose for this new typeface. Choosing to use the monospace family was challenging to typeset, yet it possessed very unique and distinct features that I wanted to capture and highlight.

All photography and copy was sourced from IBM Plex and IBM Archives.

Specs
Coil bound book
6.75” x 9.5”
26 pages
Printed by Italic Press
IBM-Specimen-01
IBM-Specimen-02
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IBM-Specimen-05
IBM-Specimen-07
IBM-Specimen-08
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IBM-Specimen-10
IBM-Specimen-11