Client

Sean Wang
Year

2023

Role

Design Direction

Design

Animation

Sean Wang is a filmmaker who crafts deeply moving, beautiful stories that can at once make you laugh, and also hit you in the feels. His latest film is a tribute to his two beloved grandmas, Nǎi Nai (奶奶) & Wài Pó (外婆). Filmed in the pandemic, it introduces us to his grandmas’ endearing personalities (through a bit of hijink), and tells the story of their love for each other and of Sean – something so special – it made me want to hug my own grandparents and hold them close.

Sean invited me to contribute to the film, where I designed and animated the film title, subtitles, and end credits. The film made its world premiere at SXSW, winning both the Documentary Short Jury Award, and Audience Award.

    • Because Nǎi Nai reads the paper everyday, East Asian newspapers became the primary inspiration for the typography.

Final design from the film, featuring 'Founder' by Founder Type & 'Bayard' by Vocal Type. As a person from Hong Kong, it was amazing to have the opportunity to design with Chinese for the first time. I even had the chance to typeset my own Chinese name for the end titles – a first for me.
    • Film poster: illustration by Felicia Chiao.
    • Title designs that didn't make it: it was important to imbue playfulness in the typography to represent the fun, endearing personalities of Sean's grandmas.

Alternative end credits concept

Film teaser: full film will be released soon!