Q: What is something you wish you had done in preparation for the course that could have helped the development of your typeface?

A: Firstly, I would have learned how to code in Python, which would have made my life easier when developing my typeface. Nonetheless, I did not know before coming to Reading that programming could be something of interest to me. Secondly, I would have prepared myself more to receive such enormous amounts of information about typography. Typeface design is very complex and extensive, so it can be overwhelming to receive so much information in such a short time. Looking back, I would have prepared and read more, which would have allowed me to squeeze even more out of the Reading experience.

Q: How did designing multiple scripts at the same time within one project influence your workflow and/or design thinking?

A: Designing a multi-script typeface family makes you more aware of the structure of your typeface family and how its different members are connected. It made me question constantly what I was doing, so that the different scripts shared characteristics in a respectful and coherent way, without Latinising the Arabic script, which is a common mistake when the understanding of the writing system, its rules and history is overseen. Though it was tough to develop both scripts side by side, it helped me see the relationship between them (and between styles) much clearer.

Q: Aside from producing new typefaces, what are some other ways in which you hope to contribute to type design and the wider design community?

A: Before pursuing the MATD, I used to understand typeface design as a much more practical discipline, which was largely limited to the creation of vector files. Now I have a more global and wider vision about typography, in which many more aspects are involved, because it is an area of knowledge very connected with society and its evolution, with the change of times and the development of technologies. Now I am much more aware of the whole process of reflection, observation, research and evaluation behind typography. For this reason, though I still have no clue where my place is in the typeface or even in the graphic design industry, I hope to give back to the community in some way. It may be by sharing my knowledge with young graphic designers who might not be aware of the many possibilities typography can bring, or by coding and optimising, in a small scale, the design process, space or support of typefaces. Time will tell.