A freshly expanded typeface based on the pantograph sign engraving system.
Following a lot of consideration, I've decided to close Studio Makgill.
During the past 15 years, we have worked with so many wonderfully talented and creative individuals and designed for some incredible brands. Hand on heart, I couldn't be more proud of what we've achieved together on this journey.
This decision is deeply connected to the state of the world right now. Whilst our industry is seemingly coming around to its role in aggravating and sustaining the social, environmental and economic crises we face, it's acting too slowly. Currently, to thrive as an agency without causing harm (let alone do good) is too difficult.
I want to be involved in the challenges we face as we urgently find ways towards mutuality, equity and ecological flourishing. However, I no longer feel that an agency is the right vehicle for this.
This isn't the moment to discuss where this decision is taking me (though, feel free to reach out if you want to ask me or share your views on what I'm doing). This is the moment to say thank you. Thank you for choosing to work with us – either as part of the team or as a client. Thank you for being interested in us and hopefully taking some inspiration from the work we created. Just a beautiful and simple… thank you.
Love
My deepest gratitude goes out to these incredibly talented souls who joined me on this journey: Ollie, Alvaro, Myles, Gary, Charlie, Roxy, Gus, Alexis, Laura, Charlotte, Dixie, Rebecca, Nathan, Oli, David, Wai, Miles, Alberto, Stephen, Alison, Gareth, Ryan, Charlie, Harry, Guy, Peter, James, James, Dave, Josh, Gareth, Paul, Roy, Lutz, Tudinh, Anthony & Edd, Martin, Lawrence, Luke, Arran, Rich, Will & Alex, Paul & Russ, Tom, Ed, Carrina, Oscar, Isla and everyone else who I have failed to mention.
A freshly expanded typeface based on the pantograph sign engraving system.
It was initially released in 2009 as a faithful redraw of the signs that can be seen everywhere – signs informing you of impending danger, urgent warnings and specific load limits.
Now 11 years later we have developed the original single style into a family of five widths and five weights.
The Pantograph system had the option of widths rather than weights. In expanding the family, we created four new weights and four new widths.
The Regular weight is now complemented by a Light, Medium, SemiBold and Bold. And the original Condensed width is accompanied by a narrower Compressed width and wider Regular, Wide and Extended widths.
Pantograph is designed by Studio Makgill and Luke Charsley and is available exclusively via Colophon →