There is a letterpress printing studio that I go there often several years ago.This time I went to the workshop “Arabic typography card workshop” held there.
I am interested in the language Arabic, also my name in Arabic on my business card workshop! It was very exciting one for a printing & language & design & culture lovers.
Initially I had a lecture on Arabic culture and letters, just listened to the food, customs, culture, religion, languages, etc. It sounded very exotic. The teacher who gave a lecture can speak Arabic, and sounded the language extend the endings so that was also exotic.
What I was interested in Arabic is that letter (shape of) and sound. By the way, three of the languages I’m interested in now (sound version) are below.
– Hawaiian
– Hebrow
– Arabic
Hawaiian language: I have traveled to Hawaii Island lasts month and has been completely fascinated. When I went on a trip to Tel Aviv in Israel several years ago, I heard Hebrew first time then and the sound was very beautiful. And for Arabic, I had the impression that when I was watching various countries’ news, the Arabic sounded beautiful. Hebrew and Arabic write letters from right to left, so it also feels mysterious.
At the workshop, I first studied about the Arabic script, and the big point is below.
– The letters are 28 in total
– The shape changes at the beginning, middle, and end of a word (because there are characters can be connected in succession)
– Write from right to left
I tried writing it by handwriting, but in a strange shape like a picture. I didn’t know the individual difference and how to connect, I felt fresh as if I draw a picture. Well it was so exotic! Maybe it was the first time for me to write foreign language except alphabet.
Then, at the workshop, the teacher picked up a die of my name for letterpress printing.
I am used to this studio for several years, so I’m used to it, but it is still fun to print one by one on a case-by-case basis. I love all the atmosphere in this place such as smell of ink, machine, manual work… It is also charming that each piece of ink is grubby because it is all done by hands, that kind of analog makes me feel exciting.
Letterpress printing studio I regularly do workshops is “Printworks Studio Shibuya“.
There are various printed materials, workshops, co-working space, workbenches, etc. The store manager and the staff are very friendly and they love making things. It is a short walk from Shibuya station, access is also outstanding.
Nice logo and the sign
Entrance and the inside look
Molds
Various papers
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