Huli Vesha is a decorative Kannada typeface inspired by the tiger, drawing from its movement, markings, and form while referencing cultural traditions such as Huli Vesha and Nari Mangala.
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Stage 1
Researched the tiger's cultural significance in Karnataka through traditions such as Huli Vesha, Nari Mangala, Pilli Chamundi, Tipu Sultan's tiger symbolism, and Bandipur National Park, alongside studies of its behaviour, markings, and movement.
Stage 2
Analysed the structure and flow of Kannada script, identifying recurring shapes, stroke patterns, and formal characteristics that could guide the typeface design.
Stage 3
Developed and refined letterforms, vowels, consonants, numerals, and diacritics, translating observations of the tiger into a functional Kannada typeface.
Appearance of the Tiger
Studied the tiger's stripes, muscular form, and contrasting markings to inform the weight, contrast, and visual rhythm of the typeface.
Tail Movements
Observed the tiger's tail as a form of expression, translating its sweeping arcs and directional movement into curves, terminals, and connecting strokes.
Ear Movements
Studied changes in ear position as visual cues, simplifying their angular forms into counters, joins, and finer typographic details.
The Tiger's Walk
Analysed the tiger's balanced and deliberate gait to create letterforms that feel grounded, fluid, and connected.
Designing a typeface for a language unfamiliar to me shifted the focus from meaning to structure. By studying recurring patterns and relationships between letterforms, I gained a deeper understanding of how script systems are constructed and interpreted.
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