Song typeface (serif)
Black typeface (sans serif)
Here are examples of two common Chinese typefaces. The shape of each radical will need to transform slightly inside each 'glyph' or character to retain an aesthetic balance. For this reason Chinese printers will carve a plate for each page of print. Programming a digital font for a system of ideographs like Chinese is equally as time consuming. One of the techniques used to do this employs a human calligrapher or experienced designer(human?). The designer's brain is attached to a writing utensil which is then attached to the computer's processor. An element of mystery makes this process semi-automagical. The number of Chinese fonts available are limited. I can't find a specific number, anyone know?
It's cool that you are doing this topic! My mom used to fly for NWA back in the 60s-70s and she went to China a ton! A majority of our living and dining rooms have this kinda of Chinese caligraphy on paper or pottery, so it's interesting to read how it all came about! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't quite get the presence/absence of serifs on the first graphic but I have an airsoft rifle that is semi-automagical so I'm with you there.
ReplyDeleteA semi-automagical rifle?! Thats BRUTAL
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