We asked Xunchang to tell us everything ATypI members could ever want to know about him. He had much to share.
Please provide us with your bio.
Xunchang Cheng is a multilingual typeface designer, researcher, exhibition curator, and documentary director focusing on the history and evolution of Chinese typography. He completed his PhD at the University of Reading, where his research explored the evolution of Chinese typeforms up to the early 20th century. He also holds an MA in Typeface Design from the University of Reading, UK, and a BA in Digital Media Design from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing.
Xunchang is a visiting research fellow at the Centre for Book Cultures and Publishing (CBCP) and serves as the Chinese Country delegate for ATypI. He is also a member of the Chinese Information Processing Society of China and an expert consultant for the Typeface Design Research Project at Guangzhou University. His expertise has been acknowledged through his role as a judge for the 2023 Type Directors Club (TDC) Type Design Competition and as a Chinese script specialist for the Granshan competition in 2023/24.
Xunchang has led workshops on Chinese typeface design, guiding MATD students in their bilingual and Chinese typeface design projects from 2017 to the present. He has also facilitated international student integration through cultural exchange sessions in the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication, University of Reading. His teaching extends to his alma mater, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he co-conducted Latin typeface design workshops, helping students achieve significant recognition in national typeface competitions. Xunchang has contributed to the field through his research, curating exhibitions like “Evolution of Chinese Characters” and “Way of Type—Evolution of Chinese Typeforms.” He has published scholarly articles in major journals and presented his work at international conferences, including ATypI Paris 2023.
Give us a sentence that perfectly describes your love for type.
I love type for its power to create meaning through infinite divisions within limited space.
Before this year, were you a member of ATypI? If so, when?
Yes, since ATypI Antwerp 2018.
Were you previously a member of the ATypI board, or a country delegate? If so, when?
Yes, I have been the Chinese country delegate of ATypI since 2021.
Describe your experience/involvement with ATypI activities.
Since becoming part of ATypI in 2018, I have assisted speakers from China yearly in helping their presentations go smoothly. I also gave introductions about ATypI and answered questions for new Chinese members involved in ATypI. In addition, I have been working on the promotion of ATypI on Chinese platforms by proposing the transfer of ATypI presentation videos to Chinese video platforms, as well as the announcement of the latest ATypI news.
At the ATypI 2021 All Over conference, I served as a moderator and assisted Chinese speakers and the audience. In ATypI Pairs 2023, I presented “Evolution of Chinese Typeforms in the 19th and 20th Centuries” based on my PhD research in Reading. Currently, I am assisting with ATypI‘s plans for future events in Asia.
Tell us about your current and past involvement with other type and design organizations.
I am the Chinese script specialist for the Granshan competition 2023/24.
Describe your leadership experience with other nonprofits and work with conferences, workshops, publications, teaching, or other activities in the type, design, tech, and related communities.
I have led and organised several significant exhibitions highlighting the evolution and cultural importance of Chinese typography. For example, I curated the “Way of Type—Evolution of Chinese Typeforms” exhibition in Reading, which showcased the development of Chinese type from its origins to modern digital designs. I also played a crucial role in the “Evolution of Chinese Characters” exhibition at the Chinese Embassy in the UK. I also organised related events, such as the “Diverse Writing Systems in China” conference, contributing to the global appreciation of Chinese script.
Why should ATypI members elect you to represent them on the board of directors?
I am honoured to be a candidate for the ATypI Board of Directors, and my background, experience, and contributions to the field of typography make me a strong candidate to represent our diverse community. I have specialised in developing Chinese and bilingual designs, which has allowed me to remain active in typographic practice. My current research focuses on Chinese typography, and my PhD from the University of Reading gave me a deep understanding of the evolution of Chinese typeforms.
As a Chinese country delegate for ATypI, I have been committed to building bridges between East and West to enrich our international typographic community. I would like to share my knowledge with the wider typographic community. I see the ATypI Board as an ideal platform to continue this work, and serving on the board will allow me to expand these efforts further. In addition, being involved in organising exhibitions and conferences has made me aware of the challenges and opportunities for promoting typographic knowledge to a broader audience. These experiences have sharpened my project management skills, and I plan to use them to contribute to the ATypI Board. I believe that my experience, passion, and vision align with the needs of ATypI, and I would be honoured to represent our community on the Board of Directors.
Answers and materials were provided by the candidate as part of their self-nomination for the ATypI board election. Candidate is a paid ATypI member in good standing and agrees to remain so if they are elected.