CJK Font Pairing
Introduction
When embarking on a project that requires the Chinese, Japanese, or Korean (CJK) writing systems, designers and brands often face a unique set of challenges. Depending on the project’s specific needs and scope, the complexity and scale of CJK scripts, along with the nuances of cultural and linguistic differences, can sometimes make developing bespoke fonts from scratch uneconomic.
However, the importance of maintaining consistency across languages cannot be overstated, so one effective solution is to find CJK fonts that pair harmoniously with existing typefaces, ensuring both visual and tonal coherence across different writing systems.
We work with our Asian foundry partners, Arphic and Sandoll, to help our clients extend their brand typography without compromising on quality or brand integrity.
Advantages of CJK Font Pairing
Pairing CJK fonts with existing typefaces offers several distinct advantages:
- Brand Consistency: By carefully selecting CJK fonts that complement your existing typeface, you can ensure that your brand’s voice remains consistent, regardless of the language or region. This is particularly crucial for brands with a strong typographic identity, as the wrong font pairing can easily disrupt the intended tone of the brand.
- Efficiency: Developing a custom typeface for CJK scripts is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. By opting for a well-designed, pre-existing CJK font that pairs well with your other writing systems, you can significantly reduce the time needed to roll out your brand in these markets.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Given the extensive character sets involved in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, custom font development for these writing systems can be both time-consuming and costly. By choosing a licensed CJK font that pairs seamlessly with your existing typeface, you can lower costs and shorten timelines while still achieving a high level of typographic quality and consistency.
Aktiv Grotesk
The pairing of Aktiv Grotesk with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean fonts is an excellent example of how an established multi-script typeface can be successfully matched.
As a typeface that has been carefully crafted to meet the demands of modern design, Aktiv Grotesk is known for its versatility, clarity, and contemporary aesthetic. Four core weights have been carefully paired with CJK fonts that match the proportions, weight, and overall tone of the original. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about licensing these paired fonts.
Conclusion
Expanding a brand into CJK markets is a significant step, and choosing the right typeface is crucial to maintaining a consistent visual identity across different languages. While developing custom CJK fonts may be necessary for some projects, for many it is neither practical nor economical. Instead, working with us to select high-quality licensed fonts that pair well with your typeface offers a balanced solution, ensuring brand consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.