This project is an icon design exploration using the Maelstrom typeface from Klim Type Foundry. Among various typefaces, Maelstrom was chosen for its suitability in transforming from typography to iconography. Beyond its inherently blocky structure, the intricate details and unique characteristics of
this typeface provided a strong foundation for developing icon designs.
To ensure a seamless integration between type and icon, extensive research was conducted on the structural elements of Maelstrom. Through iterative studies, key design features—such as the typeface's inherent weight, the stark contrast between its bold forms and delicate stems, and its fluid connecting curves—were carefully analyzed and incorporated into the development process.
The ultimate goal of this project was not merely to create
icons that resembled the typeface but to craft a cohesive
visual system where the icons and letterforms felt like a
unified set. By leveraging its distinct visual language, the
icons were designed to harmonize with the type, blurring the boundary between typography and iconography. This project was further expanded into applications such as poster design and other typographic explorations.
The front cover of the zine
Experiments for making ‘i’
The back cover of the zine & spreads