{"id":29873,"date":"2024-04-23T12:42:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T09:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/?p=29873"},"modified":"2026-05-15T10:16:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T07:16:57","slug":"icons-illustrations-in-fonts-what-are-they-and-whats-their-purpose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/blog\/icons-illustrations-in-fonts-what-are-they-and-whats-their-purpose\/","title":{"rendered":"Icons & Illustrations in Fonts: What are they, and what’s their purpose?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the base set of letters, marks, and symbols, most typefaces also have other graphic elements. These can be simple arrows and circled figures or more complex illustrations, like plants, animals, or people adapted to fit the mood of the typeface. However, even the simplest icons may look distinct in different fonts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does their appearance depend on? How and why are they designed? What variations do they come in? In this article, we will focus on these questions and showcase the most captivating icons and illustrations from TypeType typefaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A little backstory: How did arrows and signs appear?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arrows are one of the basic graphic element options included in almost every typeface. In fact, they don\u2019t quite fit into the category of icons. However, we would still like to tell you more about arrows because they are widely used globally, primarily functioning as navigation aids. Where did they come from? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The modern arrow we are all familiar with is a simple graphic object: a straight line with two diagonals that meet at a single point. Four hundred years ago, the depiction of an arrow resembled the archer\u2019s arrow, which actually forms the foundation of the symbol. With time, the illustration was simplified, lost its \u00abfeathering,\u00bb and became a schematic image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Today, the arrow is a universal symbol that everyone understands. That\u2019s why it is used even in records on board the unscrewed spacecraft Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11. The illustrations on these plaques are meant for hypothetical habitants of other planets. The symbols communicate information about human beings and the location of the Earth and the Solar System in the Universe, so the illustrators decided that the meaning of arrows would be clear even for aliens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, studies suggest that arrows were not commonly used as navigation aids until the 18th century. Before, other images served this purpose. The earliest recorded indicator symbol is the drawing you see below: it\u2019s carved into the pavement in Ephesus city and dates back to approximately the 1st century CE. It shows a foot next to a woman\u2019s face. Why a foot? This image literally calls you to \u00abfollow the lead\u00bb to get somewhere. So, paired with a woman\u2019s face, this navigation sign indicated the way to the brothel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the modern world, the foot symbol is also used in public spaces, such as shopping centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Apart from that, another symbol was used to show direction\u2014a manicule, or pointing hand. It is believed that this symbol emerged in Spain in the 12th century CE. Such pointing hands were used to make text notes: manicules were drawn on margins and pointed at text fragments that needed attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The cuff gives away that it\u2019s Harlequin\u2019s hand. Yet, as the manicule gained popularity, its depictions diversified. The medieval period was characterized by particularly bold imaginings on manicules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Summing up, the style of the pointing hand symbol depended on the cultural and historical features and the author\u2019s vision. Now, let\u2019s explore the factors that influence the appearance of icons in modern fonts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What impacts the icon graphic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To begin with, let\u2019s answer the question of what the purpose of icons is in fonts. First, they are beautiful. Second, they help convey the idea of the font and its mood. Third, they may specify the context of font usage. Even the most basic icons, like arrows, manicules, hearts, etc., will have distinct looks in different fonts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, the visual style of icons is shaped by two factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Overall mood of the font (typeface);<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Font\u2019s application range. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    To design a set of icons, it\u2019s essential to understand what the font\u2019s message is and what associations it evokes. Character construction directly influences the font\u2019s mood: the stem weight, contrast, ascenders and descenders, serifs, etc. All these structural features are reflected in the icon graphics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The purpose of the font also influences the icon style: designers can create specific sets of icons for particular domains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Icons and illustrations in fonts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Almost every TypeType typeface includes basic symbols, like circled figures, arrows, and other pointers. These are standard elements often used for navigation purposes, to\u00a0create a\u00a0hierarchy in\u00a0a\u00a0text (lists, for example), and more. As\u00a0a\u00a0rule, they are not classified as\u00a0icons, even if\u00a0they have distinct looks in\u00a0different typefaces. For instance, in\u00a0TT\u00a0Norms Pro<\/a>, our versatile bestseller, symbol design is\u00a0characterized by\u00a0simplicity and elegance. The arrow also maintains a\u00a0very minimalistic appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In\u00a0a\u00a0more technological and robust typeface like TT\u00a0Autonomous<\/a>, the arrow looks a\u00a0little different. The white space in\u00a0the font is\u00a0squared, and terminals and stroke ends are cut. So, the cuts in\u00a0arrows reflect the forms of\u00a0terminals, and the stem weight is\u00a0the same as\u00a0in\u00a0the characters. The overall icon style is\u00a0simple and elegant, without any decorative elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Icons and illustrations are more complex graphic elements designed for a specific font. We chose the most eye-catching examples of TypeType typefaces with icon sets to demonstrate how the font\u2019s style and purpose influence the appearance of icons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spiky TT Ricks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Ricks<\/a> evokes the following associations: spiky, sharp, a\u00a0little extravagant, angry, mystical. The icon set for TT\u00a0Ricks includes the symbols corresponding to\u00a0this mood: playing cards, crescent moons, stars, chandeliers, and poisonous mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The character structure features dynamic, large serifs. TT Ricks is a high-contrast serif with dense typesetting. All these traits are reflected in the icon graphics. Let\u2019s explore them with an arrow as an example. In this case, the arrow has a pointy top, a thin bar, and a diamond-shaped decorative element. These features support the overall concept of the font.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Charming TT Espina<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Espina<\/a> is\u00a0another example of\u00a0font graphics influencing icons\u2019 graphics. This is\u00a0a\u00a0rather high-contrast, a\u00a0little aggressive typeface with diamond-shaped forms resembling the boho style and something magical. The icon set of\u00a0TT\u00a0Espina refers to\u00a0these associations: it\u00a0features crystal balls, stars, comets, matches, and crystals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Stylish TT Ricordi Greto<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Ricordi Greto<\/a> is\u00a0an\u00a0experimental font inspired by\u00a0a\u00a0floor plaque dating to\u00a01423 found within the Basilica di\u00a0Santa Croce, Florence. This font\u2019s historical forms complement contemporary visual design approaches. The choice of\u00a0icons for this typeface reflects this unique characteristic, featuring images of\u00a0daggers, bones, skulls, flowers, and snakes. TT\u00a0Ricordi Greto also includes a\u00a0catchword set of\u00a013\u00a0pieces that can be\u00a0used as\u00a0individual design elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Designer typeface TT Globs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Globs<\/a> is\u00a0a\u00a0stylish and unusual slab serif with wide proportions. It\u00a0gives off a\u00a0playful and light vibe associated with summer. This typeface\u2019s icon set emphasizes all these features: it\u00a0includes eye images reminiscent of\u00a0the glyph forms, cheerful flowers, and schematic images of\u00a0planets and galaxies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Cinematographic TT Trailers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Trailers<\/a> demonstrates well how the font\u2019s purpose can affect the icon set. This typeface was crafted to\u00a0be\u00a0a\u00a0poster font for the film industry. It\u2019s narrow and stretched to\u00a0efficiently condense maximum information into a\u00a0limited space. TT\u00a0Trailers includes a\u00a0set of\u00a0small letters designed specifically for that purpose. The icon set of\u00a0this font is\u00a0also connected with its application area: it\u00a0features tickets, a\u00a0screen, a\u00a0seat, popcorn, navigation signs, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Convenient TT\u00a0Interphases Pro<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    This typeface was designed to be used in interfaces; that\u2019s why it features a large set of icons commonly used in interfaces: various arrows, ticks, gears, folders, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Versatile TT Neoris<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Neoris<\/a> is\u00a0a\u00a0multifunctional chameleon font that can be\u00a0adapted to\u00a0suit any project. The glyph design in\u00a0this font is\u00a0simple and minimalistic but features some peculiar details. Given that the typeface was designed to\u00a0suit diverse uses, it\u00a0includes basic icons, like hearts, stars, hands, geometric shapes, and smiley faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Font graphics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s worth mentioning other graphical elements in typefaces that don\u2019t fall under the category of icons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    initials in TT Ramillas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    One of\u00a0the most curious examples is\u00a0TT\u00a0Ramillas<\/a>. After designing\u00a0it, we\u00a0decided to\u00a0add something else to\u00a0this font. Naturally, we\u00a0began with research, resulting in\u00a0the decision to\u00a0create one outline font style and a\u00a0set of\u00a0initials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    We crafted individual ornaments for each letter. To maintain the variation parameters, reduce the time spent on designing initials, and minimize labor intensity, we first created separate elements, like leaves, flowers, stems, and swirls. After that, we combined them, like mosaics, to decorate each letter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All the elements were added as individual icons in the typeface. Designers can build their own ornaments out of them, use them as terminals, or use them as resources to edit the existing glyphs if needed for layout design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Fonts with history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The fonts listed below are united by the fact of having historical background. Each typeface was based on a historical prototype, such as fonts from old books or inscriptions on ancient plaques. This distinctive feature influenced the graphic elements as well: each font features manicules as navigation symbols, not arrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    TT Livret with book graphics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    This serif fuses historical traits and modern forms. To\u00a0allow for the use of\u00a0TT\u00a0Livret<\/a> in\u00a0books and other periodicals, we\u00a0implemented a\u00a0complete set of\u00a0book layout graphics into the typeface, including vignettes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Ornaments in\u00a0TT\u00a0Ricordi Marmo<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    In this vibrant, modern serif, the elements of Florentine sans serif are blended with more traditional visual choices. The typeface features a set of ornamental icons for a wide variety of purposes. They can replace certain letters to add eye-catching graphic elements to texts. You can also combine them to create borders and dingbats or simply use them as icons. All decorative elements are adapted to match the letters in the typeface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    TT Ricordi Allegria<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Ricordi Allegria<\/a> is\u00a0another font from the TT\u00a0Ricordi series inspired by\u00a0ancient inscriptions within the Basilica di\u00a0Santa Croce, Florence. This elegant typeface includes several delicate icons suitable for creating dingbats and highlighting the font\u2019s visual language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    TT Marxiana<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    TT\u00a0Marxiana<\/a> is\u00a0a\u00a0reconstruction project of\u00a0a\u00a0font set used for the magazine called \u00abNiva,\u00bb published in\u00a0Saint-Petersburg during the late 19th to\u00a0early 20th century. The TT\u00a0Marxiana fonts closely match the appearance of\u00a0the originals, making the typeface an\u00a0ideal tool for designing a\u00a0magazine or\u00a0a\u00a0book rendered in\u00a0a\u00a019th-century style. The font\u2019s graphic elements include about 30\u00a0decorative navigation signs: arrows, hands, clubs, etc. The typeface also features the possibility to\u00a0build decorative frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It turns out that icons in fonts are not just a peculiar addition to emphasize the typeface\u2019s character; they\u2019re also an excellent tool that amplifies the designer\u2019s possibilities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In\u00a0addition to\u00a0the base set of\u00a0letters, marks, and symbols, most typefaces also have other graphic elements. What does their appearance depend\u00a0on? How and why are they designed? What variations do\u00a0they come\u00a0in? In\u00a0this article, we\u00a0will focus on\u00a0these questions and showcase the most captivating icons and illustrations from TypeType typefaces.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1590,"featured_media":29874,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[184,188],"class_list":["post-29873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-typetype-fonts","tag-work-with-fonts"],"acf":{"show_sidebar":true},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1590"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29873"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32593,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29873\/revisions\/32593"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/typetype.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}