Today, I would like to introduce “Creating Characters: Nine Typeface Designers,” written by Yuki Akari.

In a structure of interviews, making typefaces, and typesetting samples, this book introduces nine typeface designers. As the designers introduced are of a wide variety of generations, the creation of characters in each generation is discussed, from metal type to typesetting and digital font. The reader can learn about creating characters from each perspective of the nine typeface designers. Also, a lot of photographs of workplace and creation scenes, documents and sketches, etc. are included, making it easy to imagine the nature of typeface design work.

I first encountered this book when I was just becoming interested in typeface design. At the time, I knew the names of the typefaces introduced, but I first learned who created them and how by reading this book. I remember getting more interested in typeface design, and I strongly felt that each character was characteristic of its designer. In the interviews, their backgrounds prior to becoming typeface designers and thoughts on creation are also given. There are many words of encouragement I can find when I re-read the book now. The book is recommended to anybody who is interested in typeface design, as well as anybody who handles characters. The book is filled with points interest regarding typeface.

Book Information:
“Creating Characters: Nine Typeface Designers”
Author: Yuki Akari
Publisher: Seibundo-shinkosha

Purchase Information:
Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.jp/文字をつくる―9人の書体デザイナー-雪-朱里/dp/4416810385

(KT)