Maha Akl’s Hudhud is a hybrid style of two calligraphic references, Maghribi and Naskh. The Maghribi influence can be seen in its playfulness and roundness, while the Naskh informs the construction and proportions of letterforms. There is a fluidity of movement that is very appealing in this typeface. The low contrast and openness of forms helped to create the contemporary feel. Both of these design features capture a sense of joie de vivre, and a light and pleasant atmosphere in spite of the boldness of weight.
Hudhud is such a happy design — one that will lend itself to a variety of design applications, particularly book covers and posters, and perhaps logos, too. The Arabic script is fortunate to have many calligraphic styles that flourish with an abundance of elegant movements and flowing rhythms. Typefaces that can channel this energy bring forth new forms of typographic expression that add flavor and value to current offerings. Hudhud is a prime example of such a design. Let’s hope that many more are to come!
Note: Part of this review first appeared in TYPEONE Magazine.