Adding Vietnamese support to a typeface means thinking beyond A–Z. As a tonal language with its stackable diacritics, Vietnamese introduces a unique set of spatial and rhythmic challenges but it also offers a chance to make type more inclusive, functional, and thoughtful. This workshop is designed for designers who have already started drawing type and are ready to expand their character set with intention and care. Whether you’re advanced and preparing your typeface for an upcoming release or exploring Vietnamese support for the first time, this is a space to learn, experiment, and refine.

Over two sessions, we’ll look at how Vietnamese diacritics work, how to draw them clearly and consistently, and how to build them efficiently in Glyphs. The first session includes a lecture, a live demo using an open-source font, a set of resources, and sample texts. Between sessions, you’ll draw a small set of Vietnamese characters on your own or based on an open-source typeface. The second session is focused on feedback, questions, and technical support with space to go deeper through an optional office hour. You’ll leave with working knowledge, design strategies, and tools to keep adding Vietnamese support into your typefaces long after the workshop ends.

Audience and Format

This workshop is designed for students and designers who have previously drawn typefaces and are comfortable using Bézier curves and basic font editing tools. It is ideal for those who have a work-in-progress typeface and want to expand its language support, but students may also participate using an open-source font. The workshop will take place over Zoom, with lectures, demos, Q&A, and group critique. Engagement between sessions is encouraged, including completion of a short homework exercise and optional attendance at office hours.

Goals

• Develop an understanding of the Vietnamese writing system and its typographic requirements
• Learn how to create and draw Vietnamese diacritics using Glyphs
• Explore the process of drawing and testing Vietnamese

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the fundamentals of Vietnamese diacritics and how they combine with base glyphs to create modified letters
• Learn to how to draw and position Vietnamese diacritics using anchors and components in Glyphs App
• Learn basic principles of spacing and kerning Vietnamese characters
• Learn to test Vietnamese glyphs in context using proofing strings and tools
• Gain confidence in expanding Latin-based character sets to support Vietnamese language

Material Requirements

• Mac computer (laptop or desktop)
• Reliable Internet connection
• A free Zoom account
• A free Slack account (an invitation to a class group will be sent to each participant)
• Glyphs App, a free temporary educational license will be issued to each student enrolled
• A license to a professional Graphic Design Software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Affinity Designer or Figma to test the fonts
• Access to a B&W laser printer is recommended for proofing homework and class exercises

Software Requirements

The instructor will be working, demoing, and providing tutorials using Glyphs App (Mac only). A temporary Glyphs App license will be provided to all participants for the duration of the class. However, you’re welcome to use Fontlab (Windows and Mac) or Robofont (Mac only) as long as you’re comfortable with troubleshooting technical issues by referring to your font editor’s manual or forum.

Scholarship Information

A scholarship seat is available for this course. Please check out more details on the scholarship page. This scholarship is open to all Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, with priority given to those who have limited resources or access to educational opportunities.