Waltograph (Walt Disney Script)

Maslows fundamental hierarchy of juman needs show that for any child to be brought up happy and healthy, 5 things are needed in sequential order:

           - Physiological (food, water, air etc)

           - Safety (Shelter, clothing etc)

           - Love/Belonging (family, social interaction)

           - Esteem (self confidence, personal growth etc)

           - Self-actualization (morality, creativity, reasoning)

However, Marlsow's model does not include the sixth and final element... Disney.

Know as one of the most recognisable logos and companies of the 20th century, Disney, founded in 1928 has been the secondary parent and extra sibling to millions of children growing up, through their countless productions of children's and family animations. Embedded with perhaps cherished memories of your favorite film, so too may be the font of this cultural icon. The hand drawn flourished writing your cue to that 6th and final element that shaped your childhood.

Contrary to popular belief, Waltograph font (originally named Walt Disney Script) was not modeled after the handwriting of Waltz Disney himself. The font was in fact created by designer Justin Callaghan in 2000 based off the signature of Walt Disney. Previous to 2000 the font only existed as the logo of the company featuring in the opening credits of all disney animation films. In 1961 however, Waltz disney himself added in the word "Studios" for a limited number of films due to the changed title of the company. It was not until 2000 though, that all letters were created and the font was commissioned and released as a freeware font to the general public.

                                                                               (Comparison of Original Signature and inspired logo.)

The brush script typeface holds a genrally heavy weight and slope that is retained throughout all letters. It arrives in two weights  regular Waltograph 42 in OpenType format; and bold Waltograph UI in True Type format. It's constantly changing line weights within letters are inspired from the felt-based ink texters originally used to color the animations that the company produced in the late 1920's and early 30's. These were used by Walt Disney himself on a daily basis and can be seen in his original signature above.

Interestingly, the typeface uses capital lettering for both upper and lowercase lettering. the only main difference to setting upper and lowercase letters appart in Waltograph is their size, and applicable in some cases the stylization of capitals (for example see "e" above)

Whilst you wouldn't use this font for it's sense of clarity (in fact anything below 20 pp. size can become too difficult to read), it is it's nostalgic reference to the past that makes this font a distinguished and loved symbol of one's childhood and is licensed for private use for anyone. (So you can always have a piece of disney for your next home movies!)

References:

http://brentonrussell.com/2010/12/20/design-your-lifestyle-for-happiness-and-fulfillment/

http://www.closinglogos.com/page/Logo+Variations+-+Walt+Disney+Pictures

http://noordinarydaydesign.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/waltograph-dont-do-it.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/232217/waltograph.html

http://www.slideshare.net/Bubasparx/walt-disney-logo

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/handwriting%20analysis?language=tr_TR