With all glyphs for TP Apricot now complete and its release approaching, a discussion arose as to which category to classify this typeface under on the company website’s search page.

TP Apricot is a typeface that uses lines drawn with different writing instruments for each style as a motif, and incorporating shapes reminiscent of fruit and dripping drops. In addition, because the kanji, kana, and Latin are arranged according to the characteristics of each character type, it has a unique design that is very difficult to fit into existing typeface categories.

This typeface evokes elements reminiscent of brush script and Mincho typeface while also possessing the atmosphere of a sans-serif with modulation and Round Gothic, creating a variety of impressions depending on the viewer’s perspective.

As a reference for determining categories, I researched how type foundries and font sales websites both in Japan and overseas classify their products, finding their approaches to be remarkably diverse. There are cases in which category names that refer to typefaces in the same family have multiple expressions, and cases in which the same category name refers to different types of typefaces in Japanese and English.

The lack of clear, common rules for typeface classification are very interesting, but also made it more difficult to determine how TP Apricot should be positioned.

After staff members exchanged opinions, we ultimately decided to emphasize that the “handwritten feel and brush element” are one of TP Apricot’s major appeals, classifying it under the “Calligraphic Brushstroke” category.

I have been interested in methods of classifying typefaces, but through this examination, I was reminded of their profound depth. In today’s world, where digital font development technology has advanced, the scope of typeface design has expanded, giving rise to numerous innovative typefaces that defy existing categories.

How should we classify them to provide them in a way that is easy for users to understand and find? As a typeface designer, this is a very interesting topic, and I plan to conduct further research on another occasion and discuss it with other staff members.

Also, apart from the behind-the-scenes story introduced here, the development story page provides detailed information about the design process and concept behind TP Apricot. Please take a look.

(XYZ)