objective

The primary objective of this project was to design a comprehensive visual identity and user guide for ATypI 19 Tokyo, the 63rd annual conference of the Association Typographique Internationale. The design needed to honor the organization’s historical mission—founded in 1957 by Charles Peignot to promote and protect typographic culture—while celebrating its first-ever gathering in Japan.

KEY GOALS

Cultural Synthesis: Create a visual bridge between Western typographic traditions and Japanese artistic heritage by reinterpreting the iconic Hokusai "Great Wave" motif through a modern, minimalist lens.

Typographic Excellence: Develop a high-impact typographic system using a custom multi-line display typeface that reflects the rhythm of the host city and the professional caliber of the attendees, which includes type designers and foundry representatives.

Logistical Clarity: Establish a clear information hierarchy to communicate essential conference details, including the September 4–7 schedule and the Koto-ku, Tokyo location, ensuring the materials functioned as a reliable field guide for international professionals.

Professional Continuity: Design physical collateral—such as the "Introduction" tabbed folder—that maintains the prestige associated with the Prix Charles Peignot and the global standards of the ATypI community.

THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA

In the background stands Mount Fuji, its snow-capped summit serving as the focal point of the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. While the mountain remains a constant, the composition is dominated by the sea, specifically a colossal wave that spirals across the scene. The wave forms a perfect golden spiral, directing the viewer's eye through its crest to the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji. The entire imagery is built upon rhythmic curves; the water’s surface extends from the interior of the waves, where the foam fractals into smaller, repeating wavelets. Edmond de Goncourt, the French writer, vividly described this "deified" drawing as capturing the "religious terror" of the sea. He noted the "angry ascent to the sky" and the "tearing of its crest," which scatters droplets in the form of "animal claws," perfectly illustrating the formidable power of the ocean surrounding Japan.

Identity & Publication Design

Design Idea

When reflecting on Japan's cultural identity, Mount Fuji and the art of Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) are inseparable. Mount Fuji, an iconic stratovolcano and Japan's highest peak, serves as a timeless symbol of the nation’s heritage. Its symmetrical, snow-capped cone is a centerpiece of Japanese art and a landmark that defines the horizon southwest of Tokyo.

        While the original The Great Wave off Kanagawa depicts boats struggling against turbulent waters, my design focuses on the captivating allure of the wave itself. It encapsulates Japan’s maritime essence through its dynamic, spiraling form.
      

Form Factor & Execution

Motif: For the title pages, I developed a motif where each heading is set against a background of rolling waves, creating a rhythmic, cohesive visual language.

Typography: I utilized a high-contrast, multi-line display typeface for the title. The "inline" style of the font creates a sense of movement and depth, echoing the rhythmic lines of the wave illustration.

Color Palette: A sophisticated deep navy and sandstone beige palette was chosen to evoke a sense of tradition and professionalism, accented by lighter blue tones to provide contemporary energy.

Portability: I envisioned this guide as a pocketbook, ensuring it is lightweight and easy for Atypi attendees to carry while navigating the event.

Cover Information Architecture: Balanced the heavy illustrative element on the left with clean, sans-serif contact and scheduling information on the right to ensure high legibility.

References: Atypi 2019 Tokyo Conference

Project Specification

ATYPI Annual Type Conference Guide

Course

ART 39500 Typography II

Software

Adobe InDesign

Dimensions

3.5 × 8.5 inches

Extent

60 Pages

Typefaces

Atlas & Helvetica

Visual Motif

Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa

Color Systems (HEX / CMYK)

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