[1] FREQUENCY : FONT This project is an examination of Hanzi, Hangeul, and Kanji fonts. I started by finding resources that calculated the most frequently utilized characters or syllables on the internet for each writing system before manually typesetting the first 10,000 characters or syllables for each. This was a long and somewhat unnecessary process, I am sure it could have been done in a way that was far less laborious, but I made the effort for my own personal satisfaction.        Once I had created these 10,000 character walls of text, I designed a simple poster format and typeset about 7,000 of the characters per writing system per poster before finding 40 different, distinct fonts each for Hanzi, Hangeul, and Kanji. I then made 3 sets of 40 posters, one for each writing system, with each poster using a different font for that language.
       After this, I documented the font name and the first 10 characters or syllables that were not accounted for, instead appearing as “tofu” (a visual motif through my book). I wanted to see the relationship between frequency of use and whether or not the font designers made the characters. Where the fonts “break down,” as it were. These 120 posters are a compilation of my exploration findings. 

[2] CYANOTYPEThis is a set of cyanotype prints featuring graphics made with the typographic styling and formatting of found objects from my travels. This was a practice in a number of different things including curation, typesetting, and print development techniques. I started by collecting objects that I found typographically interesting before proceeding to examine them and curate a collection of suitable fonts for that type of object i.e. a reciept, post card, certain “type” of packaging, and the like.
        Once I gathered the fonts for an object, I studied the different typographic hierarchies and how they functioned to convey different levels of information. I then typeset my own version of this type of object, creating a set of vector graphics that I then printed onto transparency before going through the process of cyanotype printing. For each graphic, I made a version with white on blue and one blue on white. There was much trial and error in this process but I have compiled here what I consider to be the more successful prints.


[3] PRINTMAKINGMy first real foray into more traditional printmaking techniques aside from my cyanotype project. I thought this project would be a way to express my core thesis ideas through a medium that I have not experienced but was curious about. A chance to create almost completely isolated from my computer screen. Aside from the initial character sheet printing, that is. 
        These are a set of prints made using the monotype technique and stencils. I cut out over 100 characters in preparation for this project. I started by planning the compositions using my paper cutouts before choosing a color palette and printing them. I’ve included the most successfully printed iterations.

 
[4] POSTER : FONTA set of 30 posters, each featuring key words from 30 questions I have about design and my future as a designer. Every poster utilizes a different Japanese font and focuses on highlighting the unique qualities of the characters. This is a practice in using typography as image, though at varying degrees of legibility. Each composition is made entirely of 1 to 3 characters in one font. I didn’t set many restrictions for myself with this project, instead opting to design with next to nothing in mind other than appealing to my own aesthetics to determine when something felt “done.” This project delves into a few different styles, evolving over time the more that I worked on them and the more tired I became during the process. I started abandoning small detail work and started creating something more chaotic. It was an interesting look into my design process on lack of sleep. I made all of them in one sitting. 

    
[5] MONOGRAPHAn artist monograph for the artist Tomokazu Matsuyama. This was another exercise in typesetting Japanese, in a way that is hopefully reflective of the common practices for books of this nature. It features work from the artist, intereviews, and written articles.

[6] NEWSPAPERA newspaper poster design about the show Devilman Crybaby. This was also created in one sitting, and is meant to be reminiscent of the look of old Japanese newspapers. Though with a modern twist. The text used on the poster includes interviews about the art direction of the show, opinions shared on Japanese social media about the different themes of the show, and articles concerning the reception of the show. I made sure to collect text and opinion pieces shared while the show was initially airing back in 2018 to connect with this notion of “newspaper,” and current events. 

FREQUENCY : FONT        FREQUENCY : FONT           FREQUENCY : FONT




CYANOTYPE              CYANOTYPE             CYANOTYPE               CYANOTYPE

       





PRINTMAKING

               

PRINTMAKING

                 

PRINTMAKING

           

   PRINTMAKING

             
       




POSTERS : FONT               POSTERS : FONT               POSTERS : FONT




MONOGRAPH        MONOGRAPH        MONOGRAPH        MONOGRAPH







NEWSPAPER        NEWSPAPER        NEWSPAPER        NEWSPAPER













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MFA THESIS
LUCY PURVIS
2025