Daniel Reed’s new typeface is inspired by the Chinese word “Kong”

Sheffield-based designer Daniel Reed has released his new typeface Kong, inspired by the early Chinese definition of the word that translates as air, empty, hollow and time. “These definitions formed the starting point for the letterforms by combining thick and thin strokes creating a sense of space, openness and strength,” explains the typographer.

Combining thick and thin strokes, the uppercase display typeface is designed to be used at large scale. Daniel has created the single weight typeface that has a character set that includes over 200 glyphs and supports Western and Latin Languages. “Each glyph has been designed with great care and attention to detail with the intention that you could create a logo from any of the glyphs,” says Daniel. “Kong gets it’s unique aesthetic by juxtaposing heavy slabbed strokes with pixel thin lines, finished with a subtle rounded edge.”