Tools of the Trade: French Curve
Before computers became commonplace, there was the french curve. Once a graphic designer’s staple, they’re now a slight novelty. A french curve is a template used in drafting and typography to create smooth curves- this is how typographers got the lines so perfect on hand-drawn letters and logos back in the day. I never use mine, but having it hanging out of my pencil cup makes me feel better for some reason…
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it would be a lovely shape for a black acrylic necklace…
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Wow, that’s a fantastic idea!!
I would love to get one custom-made.
xo
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For those of us that still use French Curves they are far from ever being “a slight novelty” however, I cannot say the same for the computer…!!!!
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Steve: I only say that they’re a slight novelty because many of my classmates in their late teens / early 20s had no idea what they were! I’m glad you’re still putting yours to use.
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of course, now they’re used for art. ^_^
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French curve is made for drawing armscyes (for patterns), at least that’s what I’ve been taught to use it for. Size #17, that is.
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My ex husband was an excellent draftsman. He could create hand drawn lettering that wrapped around shapes like circles, ovals, etc. I never see lettering like that anymore. He used french curves and was also very good at eyeballing how letters fit together. He used little circles between the letters to space them. The loveliness of such artwork can be seen in antique drawings. It is fascinating to actually watch someone do it. The computer fonts of today just do not capture the beauty of the old fashioned way.
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