Learn how to build the DNA of a typeface on the basis of a few found letters and create your own with the co-founder of the Swiss type foundry Noel Leu
A text poster begins with the font. The font begins with a pair of inspired letters. And inspiration comes from the surroundings. How to concentrate that into a working tool? The aim of the workshop is to analyse the typographic DNA and deduct the missing characters to build a complete typeface. The designers will learn some of the basics of designing a typeface and understanding it’s structure with a master of laconic and high quality Swiss design Noel Leu. At the end of the workshop, they will have to design their own typeface and a poster to present their result of the research.
‘My expectations is to increase the awareness and appreciation of typography as well as empowering people to design typography themselves’, — Noel Leu.
Noel Leu is a Swiss graphic designer and co-founder of the type foundry Grilli Type as well as the independent publishing house Edition Grilli. Grilli Type is an independent Swiss type foundry that offers original retail and custom typefaces. They are famous for high quality products with a contemporary aesthetic in the Swiss tradition. This tradition is reflected in both the visual and technical standards of their fonts and service. Leu is a nominee and winner of numerous design awards, including the Swiss Federal Design Award, ADC Young Guns Award.
What designers will learn:
Raise the awareness of the rich and inspirational surroundings that public typography in Moscow offers and learn to train the eye to look out for interesting designs in daily life
Get a basic understanding of how type design functions and how typographic characters are interrelated
Repurposing the found typography as a typeface and show it in an interesting new context
Talking about typography and presenting own typographic works vivid and competently
Working professionals and experienced students in applied visual communications are invited to participate. Attendees need a basic understanding of typography and digital tools and should know how to use layout software, how to work with vector based tools like Adobe illustrator and learn basic work with font software Glyphs, which trial version may be downloaded and installed here.
Homework:
Before the workshop starts participants have to find one example of typography in public space and bring it to the classes. A specially designed lettering that’s been used on a subway stop, a store name, an inscription near a front door — it is important to find a typographic example that is not part of a typeface — probably unknown designer just came up with some letterforms and wrote a single or a few words with it. The participants have to document that example (photography or scanning) and document in what context it has been found.
The workshop will be held in English; spoken language is mandatory. Applications are accepted until September 6th. The Institute producer will contact each candidate after the close of the application period. For students studying graphic design there is a 20% discount. Please, write to workshop’s producer Maria kutina@strelkainstitute.com with the letter subject ‘Discount for the Noel Leu’s workshop’ to get it or in case of any other questions.