Designer Slava Kirilenko breathes character into his type-focused projects

Kazakhstanian designer Slava Kirilenko’s portfolio is littered with typefaces and specimens that showcase his knack for evoking moods and personality through letterforms. Often working with fellow designer Gayaneh Bagdasryan, Slava’s work is minimalist and no frills in its approach, yet the designer attaches character and pizzazz to each of his typefaces, writing short, flamboyant descriptions to sit alongside them.

For example, for his typeface Wermut, Slava describes the serif font as “an intoxicating blend of rare flavours” and “bitter and thorny at first glance”. Equally as juicy is Gerbera, which Slava sees as “at once hip and quaint, clear yet idiosyncratic, restrained but sensual”. This passion for type and all its quirks is great to see communicated through a portfolio, and that breathes life into Slava’s projects. The accompanying type specimens are well-considered and detailed, while also sensitively alluding to the traits mentioned in the descriptions.