From Poster to Alphabet

This workshop will begin with a presentation of original posters and special books from the HMCT Archive, selected for their expressive use of typography. Participants will closely examine the letterforms, compositions, and typographic gestures in the posters, using tracing, drawing, and other analog methods to extract and reinterpret elements. The focus is on engaging directly with the materiality of type—shapes, rhythm, and texture. The final outcome is the design of an original alphabet, built from inspiration found in the archive. This is a hands-on session that invites participants to look closely, take apart, and rebuild letterforms in new ways. The posters presented in the workshop will be drawn from HMCT’s collections, including Polish posters, works by Rick Valicenti (Thirst), Alan Kitching (The New Typography Workshop), Imprenta Enlace, Vernon Simpson, Colby Printing Co., and others.

Lavinia Lascaris is a graphic designer specializing in exhibition and publication design with a focus on typography and language.

Her practice is rooted in research, informed by a background in fine art and dance, and shaped by international collaborations with museums and galleries.

Lavinia holds an MFA in Graphic Design from ArtCenter College of Design, where she was awarded the Typography Fellowship from Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography (HMCT). She is now Associate Director at HMCT and teaches in the Graphic Design department at ArtCenter.

Her work has been recognized by Type Directors Club (TDC), Communication Arts, ISDT International Typographic Awards, GDUSA, and IDA Design Awards.