Crash Course in Type Design

The class title "Crash Course In Type Design" is set on a thin squarish black typeface. The type is set vertically stacked. The copy is contained on white pill-shaped frames on a green background with glyphs floating around it.

Overview

  • Online (Zoom)
  • 5 weeks · 18 seats total
    • Mondays, Oct. 21 – Nov. 18, 2024
    • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Weekly Structure
  • 2 hours of live class
  • Optional office hours
Image of a woman with long hair on a white background.
Libbie BischoffInstructor
Course DetailsScheduleFacultyFunding

Type design is a tricky thing to learn on your own and a 10-week or year-long program is a big commitment — test the typographic waters in this condensed, 5-week type design class! We will learn the fundamentals of type design while cheering each other on in a virtual classroom. You will learn how to create an original design concept and translate it into a functional typeface in an uppercase A-Z character set while keeping spacing and usability in mind.

Whether you’re a graphic designer or a beginner type designer, you will learn the ins and outs of the type design process with like-minded comrades. At the end of this course, you will have the skills to continue your type design practice or feel prepared for a longer type design program. You will have enhanced your typographic vocab and gained an intimate understanding of what it takes to be a type designer. Let’s draw letters together!

Audience and Format

This class is open to beginner through intermediate type design students. We will cover the process of making a font from ideation to creating your very own type specimen. It is meant for students who would like a rigorous yet supportive environment for learning about type design.

This class is taught online via Zoom. With an accompanying Slack channel, students will have a communal space for sharing work and troubleshooting. Each week, students will be expected to watch pre-recorded lectures and spend a few hours outside of class working on their typeface.

Goals

  • Create an original or revival typeface
  • Have an understanding of the type design process
  • Create a supportive community of type enthusiasts

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn the ins & outs of the Glyphs App
  • Learn how to design Latin caps (A-Z)
  • Develop an eye for spacing
  • Gain proofing skills & a typographic vocabulary
  • Create a small type specimen that celebrates your project

Material Requirements

  • Reliable Internet connection
  • Mac computer (laptop or desktop)
  • Glyphs App (a free temporary license will be issued to each student)
  • A free Zoom Account
  • A free Slack account (an invitation to a class group will be sent to each participant)
  • A license to a professional Graphic Design Software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Affinity Designer to test the fonts.
  • A black chisel tip marker (Sharpie or preferred black ink marker)
  • Pentel Presto Jumbo Correction Pen or white-out
  • Black ink or paint
  • A drawing pad or paper (8.5” x 11” or larger)

Software Requirements

The instructor will be working, demoing, and providing tutorials using Glyphs App (Mac only). A temporary Glyphs App license will be provided to all participants for the duration of the class. However, you’re welcome to use Fontlab (Windows and Mac) or Robofont (Mac only) as long as you’re comfortable with troubleshooting technical issues by referring to your font editor’s manual or forum.

Scholarship Information

A scholarship seat is available for this course. Please check out more details on the scholarship page. This scholarship is open to all Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, with priority given to those who have limited resources or access to educational opportunities.

Overview

  • Online (Zoom)
  • 5 weeks · 18 seats total
    • Mondays, Oct. 21 – Nov. 18, 2024
    • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Weekly Structure
  • 2 hours of live class
  • Optional office hours
Image of a woman with long hair on a white background.
Libbie BischoffInstructor
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