The assignment is to design a typeface that can represent a specific faculty member of Syracuse University. The designated muse of mine is Nancy Austin.

By interviewed Nancy Austin, I got more understanding of Nancy's personality. Known as “Military Mom” to the active-duty sailors, airmen, soldiers and Marines in her care at Newhouse, Nancy Austin wears an easy smile and displays a quick and ready willingness to help her students. (She will even bake them cookies!) As their honorary chief, however, she also keeps them accountable and holds them to high standards, challenging them to make the most of their two semesters here. I choose one of my sketches to execute in the Illustrator and Glyphs.

Inspired by Ms. Austin’s simultaneously strict and nurturing demeanor, Ally in Chief combines tall, respectable strokes that stand at attention with large, welcoming counters and soft, unexpected curves, including the arched crossbar on the A and H. These exhibit panels combine the patriotism evoked by an American flag with a texture inspired by one of Nancy’s personal interests, knitting.