MARGO DELA CRUZ - PEDALBOARD

PEDALBOARD TYPEFACE
MOTION SPECIMEN

PEDALBOARD reimagines the form of a guitar effects pedal into a motion typeface that expresses sound visually. Within this typeface, the STANDBY font takes on the iconic rectangular shape of a pedal, waiting to be activated. STANDBY transforms into FUZZ, distorting the sleek form into a cacophony of spikes. PEDALBOARD acts as a catalyst for action, shifting from static to dynamic, bringing visuals and sound in harmony.

I combined a variety of mediums to create the motion specimen, including hand-drawn 2D animation, stop motion, photo manipulation, and After Effects. The eclectic nature of the animation gives the typeface its charm, breaking out of the slick, clean aesthetic that is expected of many graphic designers today. PEDALBOARD challenges the standards of what typography can and should be, tearing down the idea of being perfect.

I created this project in collaboration with Zipeng Zhu's creative direction where I was tasked with developing a unique typeface that felt authentic to me. I am a designer by day and a musician by night, and as someone who experiments with guitar pedals, I felt a deep connection to this niche object. Distortion may be earsplitting to other people, but for me, it is empowering to play the guitar and be surrounded by the noise I created roaring out of the amp. Watching the crowd mosh and scream to the music my band and I made together is a special feeling that is rewarding to experience.

PEDALBOARD is a love letter to hardcore punk music, the scene, and my collective community.