SAWATDEE…
Pol is a Thai graphic designer based in San Francisco, renowned for his innovative work that bridges language, typography, and social advocacy.
Originally from Thailand, Pol pursued advanced studies in design at San Francisco State University and completed the Type West program at the Letterform Archive. His personal experiences as a non-native English speaker deeply influenced his design philosophy, leading him to create tools that aid language learners.
One of his notable projects is the typeface “Vaja,” which means “speech” in Thai. Designed to assist English learners with pronunciation, Vaja incorporates International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols and utilizes font weights—thin, oblique, and bold—to indicate pronunciation nuances and syllable stress. This typeface was recognized by the Society of Typographic Arts in their STA 100 list and earned him a silver winner in Typography Design from the Indigo Design Award.
Another significant project, “Syncnonym,” addresses linguistic racism by helping non-native English speakers understand workplace jargon through visual design. This initiative earned him a Creative Excellence Award in the Culture/Cultural Experience category.
In 2025, Pol received accolades from the Indigo Design Award for his work on the Sustainable Fashion Exhibition and branding for Arena Mobile Bar, showcasing his versatility in both social impact and commercial design.
Pol’s portfolio reflects a commitment to using design as a tool for empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities navigating language and cultural barriers.