Maya Eapen

For my project, I created the typeface Bangalore Display, which questions whether typography can change the attitude of Indian youth and inspire them to learn and speak their regional languages. The influx of western influences and globalization in India have increased the popularity of English as a spoken language among urban Indian youth. As a result, many young Indians, including myself, have grown up without learning or practicing our mother tongues. Bangalore Display is a playful and bold Kannada-language typeface inspired by the hand-lettered street signs scattered across my childhood home, Bangalore, India. The friendly and bubbly style of the typeface intends to appeal to a younger demographic and make the language accessible to them. The typeface is accompanied by a type design compendium that documents my process of learning the Kannada language while designing the typeface. It includes personal reflections about experimenting with different materials as well as deeper conversations with type experts. By making the language accessible to young Indians, I hope the project inspires them to appreciate the beauty of Indian languages and encourages them to engage with their mother tongues.