Mazhik

My intention for Mazhik was to design a typeface that unapologetically embraces the vibrant complexity of the Arabic script, drawing its core spirit from the vernacular of handwritten signs and the dynamic energy of Egyptian movie posters (you know, the good stuff). What began as an exploration of bold, public lettering quickly developed a distinctive voice of its own; a typeface designed to deliver a confident graphic identity with immediate cultural resonance.

Mazhik mixes contrasts and writing speeds to create a uniquely dynamic rhythm, weaving together diverse calligraphic styles⁠—⁠just as handwriting does. To ensure every connection feels organic and transcends the rigid digital boxes fonts are often built in, I included nine alternate forms for each connecting letter in the font. Nine. Seems like overkill, but it means every word flows like it was written without lifting the chunky marker (Mazhik means ‘marker’ in Persian btw) off the paper. This extensive set of alternates does more than ensure fluid, single‑stroke connections; it optimizes the placement of dots to maintain clarity and balance within word compositions. This lets the font flow with effortless ease, as if each word was drawn in a single confident gesture.

In the end, Mazhik is really an inquiry into what written form can be in a digital format. It’s my answer to how an Arabic font can be more than just functional and become a real medium for expression, where fluidity and structure actually coexist. It’s an exploration that pushes beyond the conventional boundaries of Arabic type design, resulting in a design that feels genuinely hand‑drawn. The font is ideal for applications that require organic warmth and bold graphic impact, without sacrificing the precision of a digital font.

—S.