A lexigram is a symbol representing a word, especially one used in learning a language. In this project, lexigrams represent collections of brands, identities, and concepts in popular culture.

Stats

2580 lines drawn

618 lexigrams designed

25 sets completed

12 colors used

6 categories

Categories

Comic books

Movies

TV

Books

Games

Life

Grid

Each lexigram is built on a strict 20x20 grid, allow for a centerline on both X and Y axis. There's also a 2x2 margin around the edges. Using a grid allows me to precisely position elements and ensure consistency.

Shapes

I use the simplest of shapes as the basis of each lexigram, whenever possible. If more complex shapes are required, they are created from compounded simple shapes.

Lines

How few lines does it take to convey a complex idea? True minimalist dictates less is more,. Every line is of identical weight with no fills of textures. There are also no rounded corners and all lines terminate in 90-degree miters.

Colors

The entire lexigram collection uses just 12 colors. The hues are muted and various, allowing for a maximum amount of line/background combinations while retaining legibility.

FAQs and Observations

Shoot me an email. Depending on the subject matter, number of lexigrams, and difficulty I’ll consider adding it to the lexigram library. I won’t be able to fulfill every request, but I like getting new ideas from folks like you!

Once I have a general sense of the set I’m working with the actual design of the lexigrams is pretty quick — usually from 2-5 minutes per square. It takes longer to come up with the idea behind the shapes than drawing the shapes themselves. Also, formatting them into posters takes around an hour per set because I’m super OCD about keeping my files organized.

Yes, I do repeat certain symbols across different sets, though I almost never use the same symbol within a set. The reason for the repetition is because sometimes a symbol is just too good at representing a concept. Aphrodite is a heart, February is a heart, and Heart from Captain Planet is, well, a heart. It’s the simplest solution and because they’re in different sets they’ll still look good in their respective groups.

The only exception to the rule is in the X-men set, where Polaris, Banshee, and Havok all have the same symbol, I thought this was an interesting coincidence from their creators and wanted to showcase their symbol synergy.

Well, this isn’t my day job. I’m not making a ton of money from creating art loosely based on the IP owned by multi-million-dollar corporations. In fact, you could make the argument that my work is so derivative that it barely resembles the original in most cases. Do I have work taken down from my meager online shops for copyright infringement? Occasionally. Do I feel bad about it? No.

This project started as a test to see how few lines are needed to convey an idea. The origin of the first lexigrams is captivating and complex.

This is where some more text will go.

Want more lexigrams?

Let me know.

matt@dcmjs.com

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