Introduction to Modern Type Design

with Kel Troughton

During this 10-week online workshop, which meets on Wednesday evenings from January 31–April 10 (no class on February 21), you will create your own original typefaces as you gain an understanding of the methodologies and software used to produce high-quality digital type.

The primary goal of this workshop is to show you how to systematically think about type and help you successfully make a font. We will focus on techniques and best practices for designing and spacing type, introducing you to the conceptual foundations of type design, including proofing and testing work. You will work in the Glyphs App throughout the week and upload homework before each meeting for review. Throughout the workshop you will learn various lessons about type, history, sketching, and get weekly feedback on your type projects.

This workshop is suitable for designers just starting to think about type and for designers with some type design experience, hoping to hone their skills and processes. Some experience with drawing Bézier curves (in Adobe Illustrator, for instance) and with typography is recommended but not required. This is a great course for anyone interested in applying for a spot in Type West’s Postgraduate Certificate Program in Type Design.

A free temporary license for Glyphs App will be made available to all participants. The class is capped at fifteen students to allow for one-on-one instruction.