Much more than just a matching set of individual letterforms, a typeface is a system constructed from patterns of black and white. As much as any of its more obvious design details, it is the rhythm created by the repeated interplay of its positive and negative shapes that defines a typeface; this is also its inherent challenge. This course will introduce the tools and principles of digital typeface design through one-on-one, no-holds-barred engagement with an individual project of your own choosing - be it systematizing your own lettering, imagining a complete alphabet from a found fragment, articulating that ideal set of forms in your mind, or reviving a non-digital typeface you love. From a dash through the history and theory of Latin letterform construction, to playing with a range of writing tools, and winding up with the beginnings of a real, honest-to-goodness typeface you can call your own, prepare to be amazed at how much you can learn. This course will leave you with a more critical eye for letterforms, a deeper understanding of how they work, and a whole new set of creative skills that can only make you a better designer. Students will also meet with veteran typeface designers in lecture and critique formats. PREREQUISITES: Experience with bézier drawing and either lettering or typography.

Sara Soskolne
Senior designer, Hoefler & Frere-Jones. Formerly, senior designer, Hahn Smith Design

Publications include: Type Directors Club Annual; contributor, Graphic Design for the 21st Century: 100 of the World's Best Graphic Designers

Award: AIGA 50 Books/50 Covers

Clients include: Wall Street Journal; Wired; Condé Nast Portfolio; Texas Monthly; The New York Times Magazine; O, The Oprah Magazine

Education: MA, with distinction, University of Reading

Type design projects have included: Verlag, Chronicle, Sentinel, Tungsten, Gotham