Intro to Chinese Type Design and a Collaborative Process using Fontra

In-person Typographics Conference attendees can get a 10% discount on tuition for this workshop, but only if you use the promo code at registration. No partial refunds will be given. Write to type@cooper with your conference ticket number and we'll send you the promo code to save.

Chinese type design is usually known for having large glyphsets to complete or complex character structures. But what are some methods that Chinese designers employ to tackle these challenges and improve efficiency? In this workshop, participants will learn about the basics of the Chinese script and type design, and work together in a collaborative workflow to create a simple Chinese typeface, using the font-editing platform Fontra. Workshop will include presentation, software demo, and hands-on practice.

Prerequisites:

Participants are expected to have some basic knowledge of type design and previous experience with another font-editing software like Glyphs or RoboFont. Prior knowledge of the Chinese script or language is not required.

Goals and benefits:

Get a better understanding of the Chinese writing system and how to approach its typeface design.

Participants will:

• Gain a basic understanding of the Chinese script and type design.
• Participate in a collaborative workflow, which could potentially be adapted to their own practice.
• Try out the new font-editing platform Fontra.

Structure:

Morning:

• A short presentation on the Chinese script and basic concepts of Chinese type design, especially the concept of "radicals" which is essential to the design workflow.
• A demo of Fontra, including basic functions and specific tools for CJK design.
• Explanation and discussion of the collaborative project: participants will design a simple Chinese typeface collaboratively, each contributing to the creation of assigned variable components and glyphs. The typeface will have 2 weights, a limited and curated glyphset, and a rather simple sans-serif design.

Afternoon:

• Participants will first draw a group of control characters. They will each receive a few characters to draw in contours in Fontra.
• Then they will create variable components based on the control characters. They will each be assigned one or more components to create.
• Finally, participants will each be given a list of glyphs to create by using the variable components created by the group.
• Review and discussion of the design and the process.

Supply List:

• Bring your own laptop (Mac or Windows) with internet connection
• pen / pencil and paper for drafting and notes

Host or Publisher Typographics Festival