Wordshape is a boutique type foundry and online select shop in Tokyo. Run by Ian Lynam and Thien Huynh, we offer a curated selection of design goods that have a connection to our graphic design studios and associated projects.
Wordshape is a full-service type foundry. In addition to our library of retail fonts, we also design custom fonts for clients of all sizes. From the modification of existing fonts, to the design of a complete family from scratch, we design typefaces to fit most needs.
We occasionally publish small press books, zines, posters and other design ephemera. We also operate as a distro for Japanese design publications, notably IDEA Magazine.
Select clients:
- Adidas
- Boeing
- Bon Appetit Magazine
- Nike
- Onitsuka Tiger
- Rap-Up Magazine
- Pony
- The WB
- Conde Nast
Some recent projects:
Kihachiro Geometric Sans
A sans serif typeface commisioned by Onitsuka Tiger. Inspired by early geometric typefaces and the horizontal directionality of phototype text, yet designed to render immaculately on-screen and in print.
Kihachiro Swash
A display typeface commissioned by Onitsuka Tiger which is rooted in both classical form and the sharp edges of photoype lettering.
Nike SB Pictures
Custom logo for Nike Skateboarding’s film production company.
Tokyo Art Beat
Addition of map glyphs to the popular Tokyo Art Map’s in-house typeface family.
Sounds of English
Custom typeface for language education company that uses OpenType programming to phonetically spell out words in English as they are typed in normally.
PechaKucha Night
Logo and full identity redesign for the global lecture series PechaKucha Night.
Konexi
Design of modular, stackable 3D alphabet and digital typefaces for Konexi, a board game published by Zimzala Games.
TypeSketcher
A collaboration between Ian Lynam and Austin Whipple at Scout Books/Pinball Publishing, it’s a trio of type design sketchbooks with modular grids for designing letterforms. The inside covers feature illustrated essays showing users how to properly draw letters (overshoot, ascender ratios, type anatomy), as well as showing samples of type design that I find particularly intriguing).