Ben Forster

The project began with the discovery of ghost signs and remnants of hand-painted lettering on historic buildings across the city. This led to an in-depth exploration of archival imagery, revealing a rich visual language that has nearly vanished. Little Queen Street emerged as a focal point, where sign-painted typography from businesses like Sanford, Wingate, and George Dodge Brothers offered a glimpse into the craftsmanship and character of the era. These letterforms, shaped by skilled sign painters, reflected not just commercial identities but also the aesthetic and social fabric of the time.
With much of this visual legacy deteriorating or lost, the project set out to recover and revive it through design. The aim was to bridge past and present by creating functional, historically informed typefaces that breathe new life into these overlooked forms.

The process combined archival research, visual documentation, and hands-on typographic craft. Historical references guided the reconstruction of letterforms, starting with hand-drawn sketches and progressing to digital refinements. Throughout, the design remained faithful to the quirks and contextual adaptations that gave the originals their charm.

Embracing the imperfections of early sign painting, the project prioritised authenticity while adapting these forms for contemporary use.
The final outcomes include a series of custom-designed typefaces and a set of type specimen booklets that trace the journey from initial discovery to completed design. These booklets function as both practical design tools and narrative artefacts, preserving the essence of a fading craft while reintroducing it to contemporary audiences. The work is executed with strong technical precision, balancing visual impact with storytelling clarity.

Find the full case study here:
https://www.twine.net/signin

The project involved developing a complete brand identity system that could capture Asia Street’s vision and translate it into both visual and verbal form. This included defining the brand’s story, mission, and positioning, as well as creating a cohesive tone of voice that conveyed a playful, vibrant, and bold tone. Visually, the identity was built around a distinctive colour palette led by Asia Street Red, a fiery, street-bright hue designed to embody energy and excitement, balanced with off-black and off-white for a sense of quality and refinement.

The typography was anchored by Inter, chosen for its sharp and modern aesthetic that communicates professionalism while allowing the brand’s playful side to shine through. Beyond the core design elements, I also considered how the brand would function in real-world contexts, from restaurant signage and menus to packaging, digital applications, and social media. The result is a flexible yet consistent system designed to grow with Asia Street as it expands from a local Auckland favourite into a global fast casual brand.

View full Case Study here:
https://www.twine.net/signin