Ahmad Hidayat

My journey into type design is rooted in a lifelong fascination with both Eastern heritage and Western modernist principles. My background is founded in graphic design and architecture, where I developed an appreciation for structure, negative space, and functional clarity—all elements critical to superior typography. This dual influence has defined my design philosophy: to create typefaces that are both architecturally precise and humanistically warm. The driving force behind my work, and the ethos of Abda bil Qalam, is the concept of itqan (إتقان)—the pursuit of perfection and mastery. I am deeply inspired by the structural discipline of Kufic calligraphy and the fluid expressiveness of Naskh, viewing the traditional Qalam (pen) as the ultimate tool for both structure and narrative. This heritage informs my focus on designing highly versatile superfamilies that offer technical resilience for digital environments while maintaining a distinctive, legible character. My experience lies in developing extensive font systems tailored for complex multi-platform branding projects, with a particular focus on optimizing type for UI/UX and on-screen readability. My goal is simple: to provide fellow designers with the foundational tools they need to bring their boldest visions to life. I believe the best type designer is one whose work serves not as an ornament, but as the clearest vessel for the creator’s voice. Through Abda' bil Qalam, I invite you to start with mastery and make your mark.