Carving a voice

Client

Hamran

Deliverables

Brand platform
Content strategy
Design strategy
Visual identity
Verbal identity
Type design
Visual language
Brand implementation
Art direction
Application design
Motion design

Year

2020

Credits

Ellmer Stefan
Inger Marie Grini
Philm
Nils Erga


Hamran is a family business founded in 1930, representing the finest of Norwegian carpentry. They make bespoke kitchens, interiors and furniture.

To reflect the tailored nature of their wooden creations, we crafted a bespoke typeface in collaboration with Ellmer Stefan, one of Norway’s most influential type designers.

Project information

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A mustard yellow tote bag with black text on it stating 'Norsk håndverk siden 1930' which translates to 'Norwegian craftsmanship since 1930' set in the Hamran font.
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“Having our own typeface has given us a tool that ensures consistency in our identity across all platforms.”

– Janne Ramona

Marketing Director, Hamran

A collage of three interior design images showcasing custom Norwegian kitchen and interiors. The left image features a modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry and a white wall, accented by a wooden beamed ceiling. The center image shows a minimalist shelf with a single decorative vase. The right image captures a cozy window seating area overlooking a scenic view of trees, emphasizing natural light and wooden architecture. Overlaid text reads 'Skreddersydd kjøkken & interiør', set in the Hamran font.
A collage featuring historical black and white images of Norwegian craftsmanship. On the left, a close-up of a carpenter's hands working on a wooden piece. The top right shows a man constructing a window frame in a workshop. The bottom right image is an old family photo of a group dressed in early 20th-century attire, sitting and standing in a grassy field. 'Norsk håndverk siden 1930.' is overlaid in large white text, set in the Hamran font.

The typeface draws inspiration from carpentry, mirroring the nature of their craft whilst giving Hamran a unique voice.


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Typography
The curves of the flared serif are inspired by traditional Norwegian wood carving techniques.

Historical reference

The typeface is loosely based on the historical Castor, a typeface created by Barnhart Brothers & Spindler.

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The web experience highlights Hamran’s unique craftsmanship.

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