Barb isn't made from adding gaps to an existing design, but by constructing letters from separate graphic elements. This separation of the letters into components parts allows interesting and unusual connecting devices.

This is particularly notable in the scythe-shape of the curved characters to triangle serifs, and the pointed connector-shapes in the A, H and N. The B, P and R combine the two. In this way letters are differentiated in surprising and expressive ways, and an even colour is achieved between letters.

As with other stencil types there is some abstraction, but it isn't the intention with Barb of deconstructing letters, more having fun with drawing, and constructing, but in a different way.