This proposal is a reflection by emerging type designers on the transition to an online-only environment. Graduating from university and taking the first steps in the industry can be challenging for young graduates. However, this can provide an opportunity to rethink the way in which we talk about our work and shift the narrative from the instances of use—such as the classic type specimen—to the design and decision-making processes that have influenced the result. As a group, we have been questioning ourselves about how best to showcase our work. How do we present months of research, exploration, learning, and professional growth? Not having opportunities for direct contact, we moved away from the printed specimen as a self-promotional object. In observing the shift of the typographic environment, we have been challenged by the limitations imposed by a purely digital presence. This is especially important for designers who have little credibility or professional experience that’s essential under the limits of an online presence. This proposal stems from designers sharing a similar experience of isolation, working towards finding their way into the type industry. Our presentation will focus on the processes and experiments conducted by type design students to promote their work. We would like to present our questions, findings, and tactics in tackling this task. Secondly, we’ll propose an open discussion with pre-recorded or live questions targeting young, emerging designers facing similar problems. This presentation draws on the experience of ten people enrolled in a type design master’s program over the last year, two of which will present.
Emerging as a type designer in the online-only environment
Jose Carratala
Radek Łukasiewicz
