The Mumbai Type

Dhiman wants to tell a story and hence uses the distinct type

For Delhi-based independent type and graphic designer, Manav Dhiman, working with typefaces started off as a way to capture all the work he was doing outside his workplace. His Instagram handle @ManVsType soon became a place where he could post whatever explorations he did during his free time.

Dhiman uses letters in a distinct type to tell a story. He says, "I've been interested in type design since I was in school. It fascinated me at the time that someone had drawn by hand all the fonts that we see around us; something that I had taken for granted until then. That led me to explore design and study graphic design for my Bachelor's degree. It started as an endeavour to make something for myself after coming home from a long day. Here, I could be free from client briefs, feedback and the rigidity of graphic design. Sometimes what would inspire me is just a random Hindi word that I haven't heard in a long time, or maybe me wanting to try a particular style of a letterform. The idea is to not have to pressure myself; whatever I make, goes."

Having grown up in Mumbai, his work often showcases the ‘Mumbai' style of Art Deco typeface. He says, "I'm interested in history and Mumbai is filled with it. Whether it's the architecture, the food, vintage typography or everything in between, all of it speaks to me. This led me to name my first typeface ‘Bombay'."

Manav Dhiman

He uses textures, colours and fonts that pay tribute to the retro style of Mumbai from the '80s. Through his minimalistic work of typefaces, he will remind you of communities, their styles, culture and even yesteryear brands that went in the making of colonial Bombay and evoke a strong emotional connection.

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