Gánh — Minh-Anh Nguyen

Gánh Magazine

Editorial Design
2024

{Gánh}, a Vietnamese word, either means street vendor or burden.
The “Gánh” cultural publication talks about how street food becomes a big part in Vietnamese cuisine and the life of street vendors.

In 2024, I went back to my hometown, Hà Nội, for a summer break. A year away from home made me realize the importance of staying connected to my cultural identity. I picked up my camera and wandered around the Old Quarter, capturing moments of everyday life.

These photographs helped me rediscover the familiar details that make Hà Nội feel like home and became the inspiration for Gánh. Named after the traditional carrying poles used by street vendors, Gánh reflects the everyday culture of Hà Nội.

For the wordmark, I explored ways to translate Hà Nội’s everyday culture into typography. In the end, I decided to go with a fresh, modern direction that honors the city’s traditions while giving them a new perspective.

As shown, I used a lot of white space and wide tracking. The purpose of it was to create an airy, unhurried feeling, reflecting the quieter moments hidden within Hanoi’s lively, fast-paced streets.