蝕 Corrosion

Inspired by the interplay of "void and substance" in Chinese ink painting, this typeface reimagines the construction of Chinese characters through a geometric lens. In traditional type design, characters are typically constructed through an "additive" approach, using the eight strokes of Yong as the basic unit. In this design, however, I adopt a "subtractive" mindset, redefining Chinese characters through the method of spatial addition and subtraction. The typeface's core system is based on the geometric shapes of circles and squares—fundamental forms that provide a clear, modular framework for exploration. Beyond their philosophical and cultural significance in Chinese history, these shapes offer a logical and repeatable system for constructing new character forms. By systematically combining circles and squares, I aim to break free from the constraints of traditional strokes while maintaining consistency and allowing for creative variation. The interplay between these shapes creates dynamic negative spaces, redefining how characters are recognized and perceived. The visual results of this experiment were refined and developed into a set of 36 characters.