Font Designer Jang Suyeong

*This article has been reconstructed based on content originally written in 2014.

 

When you scrutinize a font closely, you can sometimes feel the energy, personality, and emotions of the font designer. However, it's rare to find a font that embodies the font and the designer as one, quite like 「Sandoll GyeokdongGothic」. This font is one that almost everyone has encountered at least once. I had a brief interview with Jang Suyeong, the designer of 「GyeokdongGothic」.

I know you're busy, so let's keep the interview short and quick.

 

 

 

Q: 「GyeokdongGothic」 is actively used in public broadcasts and fancy goods. As a designer, how do you feel about this?

A: I still think it's lacking. It needs to be more active!

 

Q: It seems like there are many acquaintances around you who know 「GyeokdongGothic」. What are the reactions from people around you?

A: 「GyeokdongGothic」 has been around for three years now. Initially, the reactions were "it's cool," then it changed through "when will it be released?" to "will it even come out?" There was a sense that the release was somewhat delayed due to internal circumstances, so I'm relieved that it's finally been released.

 

Q: The KakaoTalk sticker series 'Righteous Living' using 「GyeokdongGothic」 continues to maintain the highest sales steadily. Do you use stickers made with your own font?

A: The company distributed stickers to employees to celebrate being the top seller, but my phone broke down, so I didn't get to use them much. Personally, I'm not fond of emoticons, so even if I had them, I probably wouldn't have used them often.

 

SandollTium's Righteous Living Slogan Products

 

 

Q: What did you consider important when creating 「GyeokdongGothic」?

A: Modern reinterpretation and seriousness. I worked in these two directions. Ultimately, because it needed to be used in the present and because it was a font inspired by the political situation at the time. Rather than stimulating formal fun or emotion, I wanted to convey a solid and blunt impression.

 

Q: Are there any memorable episodes from the process of creating 「GyeokdongGothic」?

A: I only have memories of "having lived" at the company. (Laughs) It was a time when I juggled between the company and school. I really ate and slept at the company while preparing for my graduation exhibition. Thanks to that, I maintained a constant state of being exhausted throughout my internship.

 

Q: It's been three years since 「GyeokdongGothic」 was first created. Have there been any changes to the font compared to back then?

A: The structure of the characters itself hasn't changed much. The thickness and proportions have been adjusted slightly, and most changes have been made to the curves. I recently opened the original file of 「GyeokdongGothic」 from a year ago, and the curves that I thought were 'okay' at the time seemed very strange. The concept of the curves ending abruptly vertically made the design a bit challenging, but I happily made corrections thinking, 'Was I really like this?' But it made me feel glad that 'I have improved this much.'

「GyeokdongGothic」 Individual Characters

 

 

Q: I heard that you have a desire to sell 「GyeokdongGothic」 tailored to the prices of the 70s and 80s, which served as the background for the font.

A: I worked alone, but I also received help from seniors. I've resigned myself to the fact that the company owns the font rights. Now, I hope it sells well at a high price and brings in incentives.

 

Q: What do you think is the biggest appeal of 「GyeokdongGothic」?

A: From a user's perspective, there has been a demand for striking headline fonts for a long time. Even fonts released by individual designers or font foundries today include many characterful fonts. I think 「GyeokdongGothic」 was created in response to such demand and has embraced it.

 

Q: How do you think users should use 「GyeokdongGothic」?

A: I think how fonts are used depends on the users' preferences. It's like buying potatoes to fry, roast, boil, or put in curry. It's up to the individuals how they want to use them. I hope they are used where they can bring out the desired taste, just as in cooking.

 

Q: From the comments on your graduation project interview three years ago, it seems some people foresaw the popularity of the font. Do you have any words for those who cherish 「GyeokdongGothic」?

A: I don't know if those who commented on the interview at the time will remember. Anyway, after many twists and turns, it has finally been released. I am thankful to those who personally contacted me and those who contacted me through the company. Please also look forward to the upcoming release of the 『Sandal Gyeokdong Series』, 「Sandal GyeokdongGulim」.

 

Q: How are you doing these days?

A: As I enter my fourth year of living my job literally, my body and mind are deteriorating. Within work, within projects, within drinks, I am struggling to find joy in the letters themselves.

 

Q: How did you start designing fonts?

A: When I was young, my motto in life was 'fun.' 'Is it fun or not?' was the criterion for decision-making. But as I got older, I realized that I couldn't live in the world just for fun, so I gradually gave up one by one for food and living. And I think the little joy left is what I am doing now. I didn't want to do something as boring as my lifetime's job. Because I liked drawing, I went to study visual design, and among what I learned there, I chose the job that was best and most fun. That's how I started, and I came here. (In fact, it's not so long.)

The 33rd-anniversary exhibition of 5.18 <That day's Hula Song> used 「GyeokdongGothic」 (Image source: Goeun Photo Art Museum)

 

 

Q: You've mentioned that you like the old-fashioned feeling of analog being extinguished or declined by something new.

A. I have innate mechanical knowledge. So I'm far from digital. Even reading a book is smooth, and reading a few lines in an E-book makes me feel dizzy. I still go to a record shop occasionally to buy records.

 

Q: How did you get a job at Sandoll (then Sandoll Communication)?

A. As a university student, I decided to make fonts. I took a Korean design class at a painting school art center. At that time, the instructor was Lee Ho, who is now Dr. Font's CEO. I didn't know if he liked me, but after the class was over, he contacted me a few months later, and I applied for an internship and have been with Sandoll ever since.

 

Q: I'm curious about your determination as a font designer in the future.

A. I want to make a body font for Korean history that I would like to remember before I die. I think it might be a goal that every font designer dreams of.

「GyeokdongGothic」 used poster (image source: angraphics)

 

 

Q: If you have a principle to keep when making a font, what would it be?

I started work with a grand oath to draw a line of Hangul typography,' but the one principle that should never be broken when one font is created is "typo." Before it was 'visual art,' it is 'functional information.' So if the character 'ga' is not read as 'ga,' no matter how beautiful the design, the value as a character disappears. So when I see a typesetting test or check, I'm most nervous.

But in fact, I made a mistake not long ago. A senior who took over the job I was in charge of found out and let me know. So from now on, I'm not just nervous but 'extremely' nervous.

 

Q: What do you think is the greatest attraction of font creation?

Fonts are good for sustainability. It's not easy to create or easily disappear. I feel a solid and authentic feeling. Personally, I think it's a job where I can think about the essence in commercial art.

 

Q: If you have a favorite font designer or role model, please introduce it.

I respect all designers who struggle with letters, such as Herman Zapp, Matthew Carter, and Eric Spiekermann, who are over forty. Personally, there are no role models. I think I want to be a new type of designer

 

Written by: Sandoll Type Planning Team