Artist Peter Fraterdeus creates intricate typographic pictures using only brass rule—the thin metal strips traditionally used for printing ruled lines. His process involves meticulously cutting and arranging these pieces by hand, building up images like portraits and cityscapes through varying thicknesses and densities of lines. By employing techniques like cross-hatching and stippling with the brass rule, Fraterdeus achieves a surprising range of tonal values and textures, demonstrating the artistic potential of this humble printing material. He draws inspiration from traditional engraving and printmaking, translating those aesthetics into a modern medium with painstaking precision.
"Globe Gores" explores the challenge of representing a spherical Earth on a flat map. The blog post focuses on globe gores, which are the individual, often lens-shaped, segments printed and then meticulously applied to a sphere to create a globe. It highlights the distortions inherent in flattening these gores for printing, referencing various historical gore patterns and explaining how their shapes attempt to minimize these distortions. The post showcases examples from the Library of Congress's collection, emphasizing the craftsmanship and precision required to create these essential components of historical globes.
HN users discuss the practical aspects of creating globes from gores, touching on the distortions inherent in representing a 3D sphere on a 2D surface. Some commenters delve into the history of globe-making and the different projections used, while others suggest software and techniques for generating gore patterns, including open-source options like QGIS and G.Projector. A few express fascination with the intricate geometry involved, and some share personal anecdotes about building their own globes. The challenges of aligning and assembling the gores are also highlighted, with tips offered for achieving a smooth, accurate final product. Several users appreciate the Library of Congress's detailed blog post, finding it informative and inspiring.
This article from the Journal of the Printing Historical Society details the history of phototypesetting at Monotype, focusing on their transition from hot metal to photographic composition. It covers the initial reluctance to embrace the new technology, driven by a significant investment in hot metal, and the eventual development of filmsetters like the Monophoto, Lasercomp, and Linotron 202. The piece highlights the technical challenges overcome, the evolution of font design and storage for photographic systems, and the ultimate impact of these innovations on the printing industry, marking a significant shift away from traditional methods.
Hacker News users discuss the linked PDF, which details the history of Monotype's involvement with phototypesetting. Several commenters express fascination with the technical details of early phototypesetting machines, particularly the challenges of achieving high-quality output and the ingenious mechanical solutions employed. Some lament the loss of the aesthetic qualities of hot metal type in the transition to phototypesetting, while others appreciate the increased speed and flexibility the newer technology offered. A few commenters share personal anecdotes about working with Monotype equipment, providing firsthand accounts of the era. The discussion also touches upon the broader historical context of the printing industry's shift from analog to digital processes.
The creator of VideoToFlip.com offers a service that transforms digital videos into physical flipbooks. Customers upload their videos, choose from various sizes and paper types, and receive a custom-printed flipbook that animates their video when flipped. This allows for a tangible, nostalgic way to experience digital content. The service is marketed towards individuals seeking unique gifts or a personalized way to preserve memories, and also caters to businesses looking for promotional materials.
HN commenters were generally impressed with the craftsmanship and niche nature of the business. Some expressed concerns about copyright issues when converting copyrighted video content into flipbooks. Others questioned the practicality and longevity of the offering in a digital age, while some praised its unique tactile and nostalgic appeal. Several commenters suggested potential markets like gifts, promotional materials, or educational tools. There was also discussion about the technical process, including printing methods and binding techniques, with some users offering alternative approaches. Finally, a few users shared personal anecdotes about creating flipbooks in their youth, further highlighting the nostalgic element.
Evidence suggests many Pokémon Playtest cards, initially believed to be from the game's early development, were actually printed much later, possibly in 2024. This is based on the presence of a "three-dot" copyright symbol on the cards, which signifies compliance with Japanese copyright law updated in 2024. While this doesn't definitively rule out earlier creation, it strongly indicates a later printing date than previously assumed, suggesting these "Playtest" cards may represent a different stage of development or purpose than initially thought.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of Pokémon playtest cards potentially being printed in 2024. Some express skepticism, pointing out that a "24" print code doesn't definitively mean the year 2024 and could represent something else entirely. Others find the idea plausible given the long lead times in the printing industry, especially with specialized processes like those used for Pokémon cards. The conversation also touches on the possibility of these being counterfeits, the complexities of the Pokémon TCG market, and how leaks can affect the perceived value and collectability of cards. A few users mention the inherent difficulties in verifying the authenticity of such leaks, while others simply express amusement at the idea of time-traveling Pokémon cards.
Printercow is a service that transforms any thermal printer connected to a computer into an easily accessible API endpoint. Users install a lightweight application which registers the printer with the Printercow cloud service. This enables printing from anywhere using simple HTTP requests, eliminating the need for complex driver integrations or network configurations. The service is designed for developers seeking a streamlined way to incorporate printing functionality into web applications, IoT devices, and other projects, offering various subscription tiers based on printing volume.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and potential uses of Printercow. Some questioned the real-world need for such a service, pointing out existing solutions like AWS IoT and suggesting that direct network printing is often simpler. Others expressed interest in specific applications, including remote printing for receipts, labels, and tickets, particularly in environments lacking reliable internet. Concerns were raised about security, particularly regarding the potential for abuse if printers were exposed to the public internet. The cost of the service was also a point of discussion, with some finding it expensive compared to alternatives. Several users suggested improvements, such as offering a self-hosted option and supporting different printer command languages beyond ESC/POS.
The Letterform Archive recently acquired a collection of over 700 Japanese chopstick sleeves, showcasing their role as miniature canvases for typography and cultural expression. These disposable yet designed objects reveal a wide range of typefaces, from traditional calligraphy to modern sans serifs, often paired with illustrative elements like landscapes, animals, or abstract patterns. The collection provides a glimpse into graphic design trends, regional aesthetics, and even historical periods, demonstrating how even ephemeral items can reflect broader cultural values and artistic sensibilities.
HN users generally enjoyed the article about chopstick sleeves, appreciating the deep dive into a seemingly mundane object. Several commenters pointed out the connection between the aesthetic appreciation of everyday items and Japanese culture, with one highlighting the similar artistry found in Japanese matchboxes. Another user noted the prevalence of beautiful, yet disposable, ephemera in Japan. A few commenters discussed the practicality of the sleeves, suggesting their primary function is hygienic, while the design is a secondary, albeit appreciated, aspect. Some questioned the environmental impact of single-use items like these, prompting a discussion about reusable chopstick options and cultural norms around dining. Finally, one commenter expressed a desire for more articles exploring the design and history of everyday objects.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43670216
Hacker News users were fascinated by the intricacy and precision of the typographic pictures. Several commenters discussed the historical context of brass rule use in printing, with one noting its use for creating borders and forms. Another pointed out the connection to letterpress printing and the skill required to achieve such detailed images. The meticulous nature of the process was a common theme, with some comparing it to engraving or even pixel art. The artist's dedication and patience were lauded, and the resulting images sparked appreciation for the beauty achievable with a seemingly simple tool. A few commenters expressed interest in learning more about the technique and the tools involved.
The Hacker News post titled "Typographic Pictures Composed Entirely of Brass Rule (2024)" has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focused on the historical context and technical aspects of using brass rule for creating images.
One commenter highlights the labor-intensive nature of this type of printing, mentioning the meticulous work involved in cutting and arranging the brass rules. They express admiration for the craftsmanship and dedication required to produce such detailed images. This comment also points out that, while not explicitly stated in the original article, the examples shown likely originated from the photoengraving era, a period when these techniques were commonly employed.
Another commenter draws a parallel between the use of brass rule and the creation of "ASCII art," where images are formed using text characters. They see a shared principle in utilizing simple elements to construct complex visuals. This connection emphasizes the resourcefulness and creativity involved in both methods, despite the difference in mediums.
A further comment delves into the history of printing and typesetting, explaining that brass rule wasn't always exclusively decorative. It was originally used for creating lines and borders in printed materials before evolving into a more artistic medium. This context helps to appreciate the transition of brass rule from a purely functional element to a tool for artistic expression.
Another contributor notes the potential connection between this technique and early computer graphics, suggesting that the limitations imposed by the medium might have inadvertently contributed to the aesthetic appeal of the resulting images. They appreciate the simplicity and starkness achieved through this method, viewing it as a precursor to later digital art forms.
Finally, a comment mentions the practicality of using brass rule for creating illustrations in situations where photographic reproduction was difficult or impossible. This highlights the historical significance of these techniques as a viable alternative to photography in specific contexts. The commenter also touches on the longevity of the resulting prints, further emphasizing their practical value.
While not a large number of comments, the discussion on Hacker News offers valuable insights into the history, techniques, and artistic merits of using brass rule to create typographic pictures. The comments effectively expand on the original article by providing historical context, technical details, and connections to other art forms.