There are approximately four million Georgian speakers worldwide, so I am quite happy to represent my community by designing the first Georgian Alphabettes header.
Despite the relatively small size of the Georgian-speaking population, the script has a rich calligraphic history with significant developments over the centuries. The evolution of the Georgian alphabet has produced three scripts: Asomtavruli (5th century), Nuskhuri (9th century), and Mkhedruli (10th century). Over time, letterforms have transformed and shifted between scripts, allowing all three to be preserved and used in some capacity today. However, Mkhedruli is the primary script in modern use, which is why I chose to design the header with it.
Before moving on to the design process, I needed to decide whether to use a transliteration or a translation. The repeated characters in the translation created a pleasing rhythm, and the word itself had a more natural flow, so I opted for the translation — ანბანები (Anbanebi). From there, the design process was relatively straightforward.
I began by sketching the word on paper and in Procreate, experimenting with flat-nib and pointed-nib pen styles to explore the possibilities within the letterforms. Eventually, I arrived at a high-contrast design with exaggerated features in certain letters, creating dynamic interactions and a playful feel. I then refined and digitised the final design in Glyphs. Here’s a process video, as a treat:
There is a notable lack of educational resources on the Georgian script, even in the Georgian language. However, some existing materials can serve as inspiration. One such resource is Aldagi Poster website, which archives 20th-century Georgian posters featuring distinctive lettering and display typeface designs. The National Parliamentary Library of Georgia also offers a wealth of online resources, though navigating them is easier if you know what you’re looking for.
Additionally, several local type designers contribute to the field. Among them are Akaki Razmadze, a well-known Georgian type designer; David Maisuradze, who specialises in calligraphic type design; and Lasha Giorgadze, who focuses on display and decorative typefaces. As interest in Georgian typography grows, it’s worth keeping an eye on emerging designers shaping the landscape. A good place to start is by exploring the 13th GRANSHAN Type Design Competition, where Georgian was added to the script groups in 2024.