36 Days of Type
36 DOT 2023 was inspired by the stamp collection that my grandfather gave me. Looking at each stamp was like looking at a still from a particular point in time. I wanted to delve into the history of stamps, using them as a guide to represent letterforms.
Year
2023
Client
36 DOT
Service
MISSION
Stamps serve as a portal to a bygone era. Each stamp carries a unique narrative, representing different cultures, historical events, and captivating stories from around the world. I drew inspiration from their intricate bold designs and rich colours. The goal was to infuse their unique styles with modern typography and capture the essence of these stamps into nothing but a simple letter
JOURNEY
The process involved translating the language of stamps into a typographic system:
Research: Studied the layouts, textures, and motifs of stamps across cultures, focusing especially on Olympic Games stamps from the late 20th century.
Exploration: Sketched different ways to merge typographic strokes with stamp-like details such as overlays, engravings, and framing.
Iteration: Experimented with textures, text blocks, and headers to mimic how stamps convey stories, refining how each letter could balance legibility with narrative.
APPROACH
The final collection is a set of letterforms that function like miniature stamps:
Sharp, distinct strokes define each character with depth and clarity.
Overlay lines add variety, showing multiple interpretations of form.
Contextual text and headers echo the storytelling found in stamp layouts, giving each letter a sense of time and place.
Color palettes inspired by 20th-century Olympic stamps bring vibrancy, boldness, and historical resonance.
This project became more than a typography exercise, it was a bridge between memory and design. By fusing the storytelling of stamps with the craft of letterforms, I aimed to create a collection that is both nostalgic and modern. It reminded me that even the smallest surfaces, can hold entire worlds of meaning.
This project explores apparel as a medium for storytelling. Each piece is designed to capture culture and translate it into expressive, wearable graphics. The goal was to showcase how apparel extends to become a language of its own. One that connects people through shared passions, experiences and identities.
