Savara | Tamil Inspired Typeface

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SAVARA TYPEFACE | TAMIL INSPIRED TYPEFACE

In the enchanting realm of Tamil writing, a tapestry of 30 captivating characters awaits. Nestled within this mystical alphabet lie 12 mellifluous vowels and 18 melodious consonants, weaving a symphony of syllabic expression unlike any other. This ethereal script dances gracefully from left to right, revealing its rhythmic essence.

Behold the wondrous Vattezhuthu, the "circular writing," a name that evokes visions of swirling elegance. This artistic aspect traces its origins to ancient times, where the art of carving on palm leaves, known as olaichuvadi, bestowed upon curves a touch of grace, making them more alluring than rigid lines.

The heart of this script lies in its syllabic nature, each letter a vessel for a soul-stirring syllable. Yet, it harbors the essence of an abugida, where the signs for syllables arise from inherent consonants. Thus, an enchanting dance ensues as certain syllables take form by melding consonants with vowel markings, while others embrace a vowel-inherent suffix or a captivating prefix. Certain elusive vowels, ever mysterious, require both a prefix and a suffix to embellish the consonant, setting them apart from their standalone counterparts. And in each unique instance, the vowel sign sets a distinct melody in motion, entwined with the consonant's grace.

An enigmatic overdot, akin to the Devanagari's virama, weaves a spellbinding enchantment, muting the consonant's inherent following sound, revealing a pristine consonant in its purest form. A subtle touch that transforms the script into a harmonious symphony of meaning.

Within this script's embrace lie not merely 31 independent letters but an enchanting ensemble of 247 combinations: consonant and vowel, consonant and mute consonant, or a lone vowel; a symphony of possibilities awaits the eager seeker of knowledge.

Thus, in the mesmerizing world of Tamil writing, each stroke whispers a tale of beauty and depth, unfolding the ancient secrets of language, where syllables sway like dancers in a timeless ballet of expression.

REASON FOR CHOOSING TAMIL SCRIPT:

In all candor, my choice to draw inspiration from the Tamil script for my typeface design arose from a profound fascination with its captivating aesthetics. The amalgamation of circular and curvaceous elements renders this script a striking balance between complexity and refined elegance. It is within this intricate complexity that I discovered the allure of simplicity – an artful approach to showcasing a multifaceted structure in a minimalist guise, thereby augmenting the script's inherent beauty. Unquestionably, this endeavor presented me with the delightful challenge of unraveling how to elegantly encapsulate a complex form within the realm of minimalism.

ANALYZING ANATOMY OF THE SCRIPT:

Delve into the intricate world of the Tamil script, and you shall discover a captivating blend of simplicity and complexity. Though adorned with curvy loops that lend an air of intricacy, a discerning eye reveals the underlying elegance in its design. Upon a meticulous examination of the Tamil script's anatomy, a fascinating pattern emerges - a symphony of recurrent elements gracefully weaving through nearly every letter. It is within this harmonious dance that lies the essence of our exploration.

In this creative endeavor, I seek to embrace both the ornate and the unassuming facets of this script. By carefully selecting and melding intricate elements with their simpler counterparts, a new typeface shall take form, one that exudes both the allure of complexity and the allure of effortless simplicity. A typeface that pays homage to the rich heritage of Tamil script while embracing a fresh perspective. The result will be a design masterpiece, inviting all to appreciate the beauty within its strokes and curves.

IDENTIFYING KEY ELEMENTS OF THE SCRIPT:

Upon in-depth examination of the intricate anatomy of the Tamil script, a captivating journey unfolded, revealing a treasure trove of common key elements. From this splendid assortment, I handpicked three singular styles, each brimming with artistic allure, which I now envisage seamlessly interwoven into the very fabric of a groundbreaking typeface ensemble. Behold, the very essence of my creative endeavor, artfully depicted below:

Upon analyzing the script, I unearthed three distinct stylistic elements. The first revealed itself through circular loops at the terminals, while the second showcased straight lines intersecting node-like structures, creating a square silhouette. The third element presented an intriguing disruption in the flow of the script.

In a creative endeavor, I endeavored to harmoniously blend all three styles into each alphabet. This pursuit, however, proved to be a test of ingenuity, as some letters posed difficulties when attempting to integrate all three types cohesively. The challenge lay in preserving the overall aesthetics of the typeface family, as any misalignment could potentially detract from its unity.

Yet, buoyed by invaluable feedback from my esteemed faculty and the illuminating suggestions of my designer friend, I courageously tackled this obstacle. The fruit of this collaborative effort emerged as a far superior approach, enabling me to seamlessly incorporate all three stylistic elements into every aspect of the typeface without compromising its inherent familial allure. The result was a triumph, culminating in an exquisite typographic fusion of innovation and timeless elegance.

THE PROCESS:

Having thoroughly delved into the intricate anatomy and fundamental nuances of the Tamil script, I ventured into the realm of artistic expression to breathe life into my typeface concepts. With a masterful blend of craftsmanship and creativity, I meticulously crafted each letter by hand. Guided by the three fundamental principles distilled from my analysis of the script's essence, I embarked on a journey of exploration, crafting numerous iterations for every character. This meticulous process ensured that each letter found its harmonious place within the collective ensemble, resulting in a typeface that exudes seamless cohesion and aesthetic brilliance.

DIGITIZATION OF THE TYPEFACE:

Having meticulously crafted typefaces in my sketchbook, the subsequent stage posed a delightful yet vexing challenge: the pursuit of the quintessential set of typefaces harmoniously coalescing with the overarching theme, culminating in a cohesive typographic family. Through iterative cycles of trial and refinement, coupled with invaluable feedback from peers and esteemed mentors, the definitive alphabets for the typeface gradually crystallized.

With the ideal selection in hand, I gracefully transposed these glyphs into the digital realm, where they could further evolve and breathe life onto the virtual canvas. It is in the exquisite realm of Adobe Illustrator that I skillfully nurtured these chosen characters, elevating them to their ultimate form, brimming with elegance and artistic finesse.

WHAT DOES COLORS OF SAVARA SIGNIFIES?

The typographic embodiment, "Savara," elegantly encapsulates a profound concept inspired by the resplendent heritage of the Dravidian people, known for their Tamil-speaking traditions. The very essence of this typeface draws from the name "Savara," lovingly bestowed upon them due to their beautifully rich, dark skin tones. An artful fusion of colors within its palette pays homage to this distinct identity, harmoniously resonating with the hues that define the unique beauty of the Dravidian heritage.