Tüpokompanii, a type design studio based in Tallinn, Estonia, follows a „mistake-driven“ approach to design, focusing on uncovering letterforms‘ unexpected qualities. Founded in 2022 by Andree Paat and Aimur Takk, the studio was born out of their shared passion for type design and creativity.
Paat gained experience at Commercial Type in New York and collaborated with Dinamo in Berlin before starting the studio. He emphasizes the importance of quickly formalizing ideas visually to facilitate analysis and refinement. Takk, on the other hand, studied at ÉCAL and has a background in creating custom typefaces for various projects.
Tüpokompanii’s work spans designing and publishing fonts, logomark design, typeface modifications, research, consultation, Opentype feature programming, and custom type design services. They also engage with students through workshops and have been part of Estonia’s design and type-focused summer school since 2019.
The studio’s approach involves merging technical aspects of type design with creativity to produce unique results. When creating custom typefaces for clients, they prioritize understanding the context and the role the typeface will play in the larger visual identity.
The objective is to create something that not only aligns with their identity but also introduces a distinctive typographic style that enhances their overall branding; we often draw inspiration from local elements or heritage that resonates with the client’s vision.
Graphic design: Ott Kagovere
Graphic design: Indrek Sirkel
Photo: Tõnu Tunnel
Heritage is frequently referenced: Takk and Paat find joy in the intersection of tradition and innovation. This often involves exploring Estonia’s intriguing typographic past, such as Soviet-era street signs, which directly influenced the creation of the font Ladna. Meanwhile, Trafarett—a bold, playful, stencil-like typeface—was inspired by traditional DIY silkscreen techniques.
Tüpokompanii views the blend of historical references and contemporary design techniques as essential in developing typefaces that „resonate on multiple levels“. The studio explains, „We strive to maintain a playful yet respectful equilibrium, often incorporating intentional quirks that reflect our origins while encouraging users to engage with new visual languages.“
So, what is meant by a „mistake-driven“ approach? Tüpokompanii states, „It emerged from our willingness to challenge the boundaries of type design by considering mistakes as opportunities for innovation rather than setbacks. Both of us have backgrounds in education and design that highlight experimentation and unconventional thinking.
„In our creative process, we allow ourselves to freely explore and break traditional type design rules, and from those ‚mistakes,‘ we discover new aesthetic possibilities. It’s about transforming a problem into a potential solution, or at least a starting point for further exploration.“
Graphic design: Stuudio Stuudio
Graphic design: Actual Source
Graphic design: Jaan Evart
The studio’s inclination towards experimentation and embracing errors was pivotal in Tüpokompanii’s collaboration with Tartu, commissioned by the design collective AKU in 2022. The design concept focused on Tartu’s rich academic legacy, with a specific emphasis on the Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School. „This led us to experiment with flipping and rotating letters to create alternative forms that alter meaning, inspired by semiotic principles,“ the studio elaborates. „Additionally, we drew inspiration from Tartu’s hand-painted enamel street signs, embracing their flaws. These idiosyncrasies became integral to the final design, resulting in a typeface that exudes a distinct local and unconventional feel, blending historical and cultural influences in unexpected ways.“
There’s a palpable dynamism in the juxtaposition of old and new, local and global, traditional and futuristic. This dialogue is also what Paat and Takk appreciate about their work as visiting teachers at EKA GD (Estonian Academy of Arts Graphic Design). „Instead of traditional lectures, we engage in ongoing discussions that evolve as students progress with their projects,“ the duo explains.