Part 0. Designer Introduction
Q. Hello, could you briefly introduce yourself?
Hello, I'm an independent designer named Jin Yuseong who creates fonts based on calligraphic work. While previously working at Sandoll, I designed the "Sandoll ChilsungBoatyard" font. In December 2020, after releasing the calligraphic font "Springsnow", I have continued producing new calligraphic fonts.
Q. Like "ChilsungBoatyard", "Springsnow" also seems to be a font based on handwritten calligraphy. What made you start font design?
I steadily started learning calligraphy as a university student. As my own unique calligraphic style naturally developed, I wanted to turn it into fonts.
Especially from a creator's perspective, calligraphic works tend to be one-offs, but fonts can be created once and then utilized unlimited times, which was a huge appeal that drew me to font design.
To deepen my design, I also obtained a master's degree from Konkuk University with a thesis on "Research on Developing Dedicated Fonts Reflecting Compositional Elements of Comics".
Q. What would be the keyword to introduce your brand?
Keywords like "handwriting, free, warm, hand flavor, human" come to mind.
Q. From personally knowing you, those keywords seem perfect! That warm hand flavor! [Balance Game] If you had to choose between only using fonts you created for life OR only using fonts created by others, which would you choose?
The latter. Since I've thoroughly looked at the fonts I made through the creation process, I want to enjoy a different vibe by using fonts made by other designers when actually using them.
Part 1. Introducing the "Springsnow" (Spring Snow) Font
Q. I'm curious about how "Springsnow" got started.
As briefly mentioned earlier, my own unique font features naturally emerged as I started learning calligraphy. "Springsnow" was a font I particularly liked and wanted to turn into a font first. Especially for a realistic hand flavor, I directly wrote each letter to fit hand-drawn outlines using a brush pen. Afterwards, I scanned the handwritten outlines and further processed them digitally to finalize the font.
Original hand-drawn outlines for "Springsnow"
Q. Writing each letter by hand must have been immense work. What does the name "Springsnow" mean?
The name comes from the song "Spring Snow" by singer Park Ji-yoon. The warm, cozy sentiments portrayed in the lyrics matched well with my font, so I named it "Springsnow" (Spring Snow). Especially when listening to the song, the portrayed white empty space resembled white snow, inspiring the "Spring Snow" name.
Q. Ah the part "Fallen flowers become spring snow, covering the street white"? What are the key features of "Springsnow"?
"Springsnow" is a calligraphic display font, well exhibiting features like the natural slant formed when writing, the stroke order of actual handwriting, and the soft brush texture. Since the spacing differs for each syllable combination, the visual interest from the lettering rhythm is also a key appeal.
Different spacing by syllable combination in "Springsnow"
Q. What area did you struggle with the most when designing it?
The biggest initial challenge was deciding what tool to use for the handwritten outlines. Even after setting the handwritten (brush calligraphy) direction, the feel could change depending on the paper material and brush used.
Since I focused on a lighter calligraphic design, I completed the outlines using regular A4 paper and a Kuretake brush pen. Later on, the Latin design was another struggle. I worked on finding a direction that blended well with Hangul while also expressing the unique personality of Latin handwriting.
Sample setting using "Springsnow"
Q. How would you recommend using "Springsnow"?
Since "Springsnow" has a brushed thickness from the brush pen tool used, you can experience its original expression more effectively when used at sizes 24pt and above. It could be used impactfully for video mediums like YouTube or entertainment shows. With its natural vibe, it would suit book titles related to humanities or history well. And with its dynamic feel, it could effectively express onomatopoeic sounds in webcomics too.
Sample uses of "Springsnow"
Q. Could you also introduce any other fonts you'd like to showcase?
I recommend the "Sandoll ChilsungBoatyard" font. It was the first font I made while working at Sandoll, and like "Springsnow", a project based on handwritten outlines, so I have a special attachment to it. It's a font I'd recommend for those looking for a unique display option!
Sample use of "ChilsungBoatyard"
Part 2. Designer's Thoughts
Q. What makes a good font?
I think a good font shouldn't be difficult for users to actually use. Rather than fonts that are challenging or burdensome in design, a good font seems to be one that can be easily and comfortably used. This applies not just from a design perspective, but also usage environment aspects like font licensing. These days, situations occur where people hesitate to use fonts due to complex licensing terms, so a font that can be easily used seems like a good font.
Q. What does it take to become a font designer? If you could give fellow and junior designers a word of advice?
I think the perseverance and stamina to see projects through to the end are needed. For example, when making an initial 5-10 letter sketch, the design may seem fun and beautiful. But when it reaches hundreds or thousands of letters, unforeseen design issues can keep arising. Ultimately, having the stamina to solve new issues through that extended process and complete a full font set seems to be the core of font design.
Q. Is there anything you hope for as a font designer?
I hope to establish my own font world-view soon. As "Jin Yuseong", I've only released one font so far, making it difficult to present my own identity. If a diverse range of fonts establish my own color, then more fonts will become known from that point, and more people may use them, I imagine.
Q. Could you share any upcoming font release plans?
First, my immediate goal is completing my current works one by one. In particular, starting with "Springsnow", I plan to release more diverse calligraphic fonts going forward. There's one cute handwriting font planned for release towards the end of this year, and currently I'm newly working on a pen calligraphy style font. My short-term plan is steadily producing 2-3 handwritten fonts with different expressions each year.
Sample images for "Hot Chocolate" and "Free"
Part 3. SandollCloud Release
Q. Why did you choose to release on SandollCloud, and a few words on your impression?
Since it's a platform used by many domestic designers, I thought more people would be able to use my fonts in diverse ways. I'm curious and looking forward to how "Springsnow" will be used going forward.
Q. A word for the customers awaiting (welcoming) Writer Jin Yuseong's font on Sandoll?
Going forward, I'll create more fun and diverse expressive fonts. I hope you'll continue showing interest in my work. Thank you :)