Morris Fuller Benton is considered one of the most prolific type designers in history, having created over 200 alphabets, many of which are considered beloved classics. Hobo is not one of these. In this project, I wanted to take up the challenge of showcasing a typeface that has long gone unappreciated amongst designers.

Hobo’s letterforms were inspired by Art Nouveau, which was popular when it was created in 1910. Art Nouveau rose to prominence once more in the form of 1970s psychedelic posters, a half-century later. As a result, Hobo found a home in 1970s cultural icon Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, as well as a parody of 1970s culture in That ‘70s Show. My approach to this type specimen was inspired by the '70s - its colors, cultural events, and photography brought to a design context.