XXL
Studio

Counterpunch:

Making Type in the Sixteenth Century, Designing Typefaces Now

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150×228mm

2021.6

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Counterpunch, written by Dutch type designer Fred Smeijers, is a professional academic book focusing on 16th century word punch engraving techniques. The Chinese edition has been converted from the original paperback to a hardcover, more suitable for flipping through and preservation. The interior paper is chosen for its smooth grain and toughness, and for its long-term storage without discoloration.
The inside text applies the font of “Tsukushi Mincho” for its characteristics of movable metal type and the classical western Sirba which is a friendly low-contrast serif. Offset printing also reflects the printing characteristics of the metal movable type period, combined with appropriate font weight, creating a warm, balanced, comfortable and easy-to-read effect.
The cover design displays the letter “e”, showing its process of making from “counter-counterpunch”, “counterpunch” to “punch”. The graphics imprinted by real metal molds express the essence of printing from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional object and finally returning to a two-dimensional plane.
We always hope that this academic book shows gentle, durable design and brings a friendly reading experience through the design.