Typography that grows

At some point, we have to draw the line between typography and lettering … and pure artistic endeavors which mimic letters or letter forms. All of these wonderful pieces were selected because they carry the notion of using typography or lettering in a natural “growing” environment and provide a delightful visual treat.

At some point, we have to draw the line between typography and lettering … and pure artistic endeavors which mimic letters or letter forms. All of these wonderful pieces were selected because they carry the notion of using typography or lettering in a natural “growing” environment. Interesting to note that many utilize sans serif fonts that are not considered organic. These offer a playful contrast to the natural settings and provide a delightful visual treat.

Many of these started as 3D rendered typography or letter forms. But that’s just about where the typography part ended. They all represent some considerable time and skills — and they are all completely unique creations. Enjoy.


Fall fonts lettering

Fall fonts lettering

How perfect is this for our Fall Fonts Festival. When I saw it, I knew I just had to include it here. Perfect!

Fumou is a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, and we believe this has a direct effect on the visions reflected in this portfolio. Using Adobe CS3 Extended, Adobe Illustator CS3, and Bryce 6, Fumou is able to craft stunning lettering paintings like this one. (You should also see “Passion”
Fall fonts lettering Fall fonts lettering


3D Text with found decoration

3D Text with found decoration

This piece started with some simple 3d Text, and exploded into the fanciful illustration. You can follow along here …
3D Text with found decoration 3D Text with found decoration


Typography that grows on the lawn

Typography that grows on the lawn

Luuqas is a designer from Argentina, who has made the hard lines of sans serif letter forms become harmonious in a natural lawn setting. You can see more work at his site : http://luuqas.daportfolio.com/ but the “about” page is empty.
Typography that grows on the lawn Typography that grows on the lawn


Type harmonious with Nature

Type harmonious with Nature

We thought this photo manipulation is a wonderful marriage of typography and nature. Designer Dkomov is primarily a photographer in Russia. You can check out his web site, but it’s all in Russian. daniilkomov.ru
Type harmonious with Nature Type harmonious with Nature


Growing on type for a postcard

Growing on type for a postcard

This is just about as spectacular as it gets. Such realism makes the letter ‘8’ look like it’s been in the bush all season. We do not know who created this piece — no citation or credits are given — but the caption says created in Russia for the International Day of Women, March 8th of that year. Enjoy the full background
Growing on type for a postcard Growing on type for a postcard


Type sends literal and visual message

Type sends literal and visual message

Kelly Michelle offers this 3D wallpaper design — a superb lettering project merging type forms into a natural growing setting. Note the butterfly. Nice touch, Kelly. But what does it say? An excellent use of color and setting to reinforce the meaning of the word. Find lots of great stuff at ‘TheKelz’ gallery.
Type sends literal and visual message Type sends literal and visual message


Convincing natural setting for typography

Convincing natural setting for typography

This is truly a nice piece created by Digital Artist Artur Zima. The 3-dimentional typography artwork was created with Photoshop CS2 and Cinema 4D, then brought into this totally realistic lawn setting. Pickup more in Artek’s Gallery.
Convincing natural setting for typography Convincing natural setting for typography


Stay Green Go Red

Stay Green Go Red

Mike Campau is Creative Director of a design and digital imaging studio in Michigan. This was part of a marketing campaign that encourages people to recycle old images and create new ideas. At the link, Mike shows several versions of the same configuration. seventhstreetstudio.com in Birmingham, MI
Stay Green Go Red Stay Green Go Red


Pink type in ivy

Pink type in ivy

This probably should not have been included here, but we thought that ivy looked so real you could reach right out and touch it. The pinks and purples make a nice color statement against the totally natural greens of the ivy. This wonderful piece of lettering art is from Steve Goodin, a digital artist here in the U.S. (Pink Party Remix) You’ll find an incredible array of other wonderful lettering art paintings at Steve’s Behance installation
Pink type in ivy Pink type in ivy


Type becomes a tree ...

Type becomes a tree …

Unfortunately, this piece titled “Zune: Whole New House” comes from the Flickr portfolio of a graphic artist who has closed shop on Flickr — gone to parts unknown. Too sad. Thank goodness when he moved, this was left behind.
Type becomes a tree ... Type becomes a tree …


Lettering becomes art

Lettering becomes art

At some point, letter forms are no longer typography, and become art. Tales Eloy, a vector artist from Brazil has created a wonderland of whimsical art creations that defy gravity and belief. This item works in realistic growing touches — like those superb roses — to create a pleasant vision. (full image)
Lettering becomes art Lettering becomes art


The best way to approach projects like these is to begin with a list of all the elements you want to incorporate into the piece. Go ahead and search Google Images for references. No, don’t plagiarize — but use other images as resource reference and draw your own. Then begin sketching with a pencil and paper. Begin with the typography configuration, then take your time, and consider how each element will attract and impress the viewer in relationship with the letter forms.

And don’t forget to send in your masterpieces!

thanks for reading

Fred Showker

Don’t forget … we encourage you to share your discoveries about
favorite or famous graphic designers and illustrators with other
readers. Just contact me, and/or join the forums

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