typography practice

I have always wanted to try typography after I got to know this graphic designer - Aaron Nieh 's work (^m^) I like how he arranges shapes and symbols in such a simplistic yet thought-provoking manner! In his recent works,, unnecessary details are removed and the focal point is usually bravely enlarged in juxtaposition to another subject matter of choice, leaving readers to a large room of interpretation. He is really amazing!! I hope I can be as creative as him *-*

I have never done typography before so please pardon me for  tracing over my idol's work for practice x_d I took four random words that I know best of for this trial but do note that there is no direct link to it.

I worked from Adobe Heiti Std and made slight changes to the words to achieve the desired oriental, rough look. In of one Aaron Nieh's interview, he said that when he cannot find the right font that he wants, he will always craft the words from scratch. (So cool right!) But I am really new to illustrator so I guess this is the closest effect I can simulate for now :/

Raw Draft

The two straight dotted lines gave an incomplete and edgy look to the words. This is meant to bring out the characteristics of student productions - unpolished but bold. The rhombus-like shape is an attempt to add an oriental feel to it, as my CCA is under Chinese Society after all.

Edit 1

Used grey to visualise the meaning of "夜", which means night, and inverted the background colour to reduce the visibility of it -> creating a mysterious look.

Edit 2

Discarded the previous approach. Adopted the reference style with a slight change to "夜", in an attempt to make it less visible.  

Draft 3

Experimented with different tones of colour, with an addition of gradient to the rhombus.

Draft 4

Reduced the visibility of "夜" further, and adjusted the gradient in the rhombus to make it more natural.

Thanks for reading \\\\\\\