Creative Characters

Alex Swatridge is the kind of creative you wish you could just sit down and brainstorm with. In this episode, host Graham Sturt talks to Alex about co-founding DutchScot, her London-based design agency that's making waves with bold, award-winning work. Preferring to gain inspiration from physical books and museum visits instead of scrolling, Alex shares her approach to design and how she stays true to her ideas while avoiding trends. Plus, hear Alex's thoughts on AI in design and how DutchScot keeps their work collaborative and human-centered. Whether you're a designer or just curious about the creative process, this episode is full of insights that'll leave you inspired to step away from your screen and find meaning in the physical world. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast Check out DutchScot's work at dutch.scot

Get ready for an honest chat with Bryan Edmondson, the visionary force behind London-based SEA Design. In this episode, Bryan shares his thoughtful approach to design and studio culture and explains why developing a simple design isn't as simple as it looks. From focusing on identities that tell a story to mentoring young creatives, Bryan shares wisdom from nearly 30 years of running an award-winning studio. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast Check out Bryan's work at seadesign.com

We're ready for summer here at Creative Characters, so we decided to dig into the archives and explore the seasonal rhythms that influence art and life. From the ephemeral art of beach calligraphy by South Africa's Andrew van der Merwe, to photographer Tyler Haughey's striking portraits of off-season beach towns, to Justin Burns' reflections on the magic of the British seaside, this episode explores how the summer season shapes creativity, placemaking, and memory. Tune in and get ready for summer with this collection of stories that dive deep into the relationship between art and the ever-changing shoreline. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast Revisit the full episodes below:  Andrew van der Merwe: Ephemeral calligraphy from the beaches of South Africa. Searching for signs of the British seaside with Justin Burns. Tyler Haughey: Neon and nostalgia down on the unseen Jersey Shore.

From studying 19th-century sans serifs to expanding Gotham for the Obama Foundation, Sara Soskolne's career has helped define how the world reads today. In this episode, Doug Wilson sits down with his longtime friend and brilliant type designer, Sara Soskolne, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about growing up curious, falling into typography, and Sara's experiences of coming into her own in a male-dominated field. It's an episode filled with humor, insights, and a touch of typographic magic.  Check out Sara's work for the Obama Foundation here: obama.org/stories/building-on-the-past-looking-ahead Take a deep dive into brand refresh for the Obama Foundation on Manual's website: https://manualcreative.com/work/obama-foundation    

Hold onto your sketchpads! This week, Livia Halltari sits down with Jess Goldsmith, the one-woman-show behind Women of Type. Jess talks about her creative journey — from doodling graffiti-inspired letters as a kid to building a global community that amplifies lettering work from women and non-binary creatives around the world. As a self-taught designer, letting artist, and author, Jess also shares her advice for aspiring creatives.  Check out Jess's work on Instagram at @chickofalltrade, and see what Women of Type is up to at @womenoftype.  Buy Jess's book, “Women of Type,” here.   You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast 

In this week's episode, host Graham Sturt joins British designer and music producer Trevor Jackson in his Shoreditch studio. Surrounded by an impressive collection of music ephemera, they discuss Trevor's creative approach, how he got into designing record sleeves for early house and hip-hop artists, and why he doesn't believe in having a “house style.” Check out Trevor's work at trevor-jackson.com Listen to Trevor's monthly show on NTS Radio You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

On this week's episode, Sydney-based artist Kris Andrew Small shares his journey from frustrated graphic designer to global creative powerhouse. He spills on how he transformed personal passion into bold, high-energy artwork that breaks rules and speaks volumes. From collaborating with icons like artist M.I.A., to creating campaigns for Nike and Reebok, Kris dives into his process, his love for color and movement, and why staying true to yourself is everything. Packed with thought-provoking moments and refreshing honesty, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to break the mold and trust their creative instincts.  Check out Kris' work at krisandrewsmall.com. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

In this episode of Creative Characters, we dive into the whirlwind world of political design with Shar Biggers, the creative mind behind some of the most memorable campaign visuals in recent US politics. Join us as we chat about Shar's unexpected journey into political campaign branding, from designing Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential run to her most recent role as Deputy Creative Director for the Harris-Walz campaign. Shar takes us inside last-minute logo sprints, the art of balancing bold typography with the complexities of a major presidential campaign, and how these experiences have changed her as a creative. Check out the case study for Shar's work on the Harris-Walz campaign at saleah.agency/harris-walz/  You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

Typography is more than just choosing cool fonts — it gives designers and brands the power to take action and spark change. This episode of Creative Characters is all about shaking things up in the design world with Monotype's Re:Vision, a transformative approach to our annual Type Trends report. Host Carl Unger joins report creators, Phil Garnham and Charles Nix, along with design leader and futurist, Lisa Gralnek, to discuss how typography can impact big cultural topics like AI, climate change, and aging. Get insights on how brands can step up and stand out, and learn about our bimonthly activations (kicking off at SXSW!) that'll explore these ideas throughout the year. Read the full report and sign up for the exclusive webinar at monotype.com/type-trends You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

Ever wondered what happens when you combine ceramics with typography and throw in a DIY 3D printer for good measure? Join us for a delightful chat with Taekyeom Lee, the graphic designer and educator who takes typography off the page and into the third dimension. Host Doug Wilson dives deep into Taekyeom's inventive world where letters become slinkies, and business cards are embossed on demand. From his adventurous journey from South Korea to the cornfields of Illinois — to his experiments with clay letterforms — Taekyeom shares his love for typography and how he turns ideas into tangible art. If you're into design, creativity, or just curious about how technology can transform art, this episode's a must-listen. Check out Taekyeom's work at instagram.com/taekyeom You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

Creative Director Simon Waterfall is a creative character in every sense. Simon's built multiple creative agencies and has worked for global brands, like Intel, Airbnb, and Vevo. Now he's about to launch a new product: a sustainable cocktail in a can, developed with James Beard Award-winning spirts expert, Thad Vogler. Simon chats with host Bill Connolly about why not to repeat what you're good at, his advice for designers starting out, and Waste — his new sustainable canned cocktail. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

Cat How launched How&How in May 2020, during the height of the pandemic, with her husband, Roger. Four years later, they're an agency of about 20 people, with studios in London and Los Angeles. In this episode, host Tom Foley chats with Cat about building an ethical branding agency, tackling big projects, and having fun at work. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast

Kelli Anderson makes objects out of paper that explore design and the world around us. Her popular books — “This Book is a Camera” and “This Book is a Planetarium” — both include pop-up stripped down paper contraptions designed to teach how common objects — like cameras, speakers, and stringed instruments — work. Luckily for us type nerds, Kelli is in the process of making “Alphabet in Motion” — a pop-up book about how letters get their shape. The book dives deep into the history of letterforms and includes hundreds of color images mined from the archives of type design. Creative Characters host, Doug Wilson, catches up with Kelli about her forthcoming book, her passion for teaching design with tactile objects, and her love of all things paper. If you'd like to learn more about "Alphabet in Motion" or back Kelli's Kickstarter, visit kellianderson.com/kickstarter You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

This year, Adobe MAX migrated to Miami Beach, attracting thousands of creatives for three days of inspiring talks, playful brand activations, and a “total creative nerd fest,” as one guest told us. Throughout the week, we brought people inside a universe of type, had heartfelt conversations about the power of creative intuition, and nurtured our creative inner children. Adobe MAX always leaves us feeling refreshed, inspired, and amazed at the creative community.   In this episode, you'll hear from twenty or so voices, including screen printers, creative evangelists, students, and educators, all of whom were kind enough to share their time and their stories with us on the mic. Thanks for tuning in!  A special thanks to all our amazing guests. Check out their work below:  Ben Vanderberg – benvanderberg.medium.com     Dale Zine – instagram.com/dale_zine  Eunsan Huh – behance.net/eunsan  Good Type – goodtype.us  Just Okay Company – justokay.co  Karin Fong – imaginaryforces.com  Kerry Squires – kerry-squires.com  Marie Boulanger – marie-boulanger.com Spike Spondike – instagram.com/spike_spondike  Little Friends Of – instagram.com/littlefriendsof  Meg Lewis – meglewis.com  Nigel French – nigelfrench.com    You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.   

Field Notes notebooks are a staple in many creative lives. Aaron Draplin started the brand back in 2000-somethin', inspired by the old, frayed agricultural company memo books he'd find while out junking around Midwestern farm country. These promotional notebooks were giveaways — a throwback to the days of handshake deals and business relationships forged in a corn field or around a dinner table. Aaron quickly partnered with today's guest, Jim Coudal, and together they turned Field Notes into a living, breathing brand that honors this heritage while leaning into all corners of American design. And of course, the blank pages of these pocket-sized notebooks create space for our own stories, from the mundane to the profound. Here's the story of Field Notes, in all of its 3½ × 5½-inch glory, plus an inside look at the latest limited edition, “The Birds and Trees of North America." You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

Host Graham Sturt sits down with graphic design icon, David Carson. Known for his revolutionary work with Ray Gun magazine and his unconventional, expressive style, David has continually pushed the boundaries of visual communication. Join us as we explore David's unique approach, creative journey, and the philosophies that have shaped his illustrious career. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

In this week's episode, Monotype's Executive Creative Director, Tom Foley, sits down with renowned graphic designer Astrid Stavro to explore her captivating journey. Astrid grew up amidst the hum of printing presses in her father's print shop in Trieste, Italy. She recounts the profound influence of her family's publishing heritage, her deep-seated love for books, and pivotal moments such as her studies at St. Martins and her discovery of Interview magazine. Astrid opens up about her recent ADHD diagnosis, the delicate dance between chaos and tranquility in her creative process, and her responsibilities as Chair of the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD). Throughout the conversation, she reflects on her insatiable curiosity and endless pursuit of knowledge, the value of learning from mistakes, and the wealth of inspiration she finds in everyday experiences. Learn more about Astrid at https://astridstavro.design. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

It's August. Many of us on the podcast team are trying to wring out the last drops of summer. Others are hard at work getting ready for Monotype's visit to Adobe Max. So this week, we're replaying an oldie episode from our first season. Monotype Creative Type Director Charles Nix talks with Scott Starrett, Co-Founder and Principal of NYC design firm Tandem. Scott shares his story of a serendipitous introduction to a young bartender named Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which led to Tandem designing the branding for her transformational 2018 Congressional campaign. To learn more about Scott and the work Tandem is doing, visit: https://www.tandem.nyc/. To see this episode's blog post and other past episode, head over to https://www.monotype.com/podcast

This week on Creative Characters, host Charles Nix sits down with Thomas Jockin, the founder of Type Thursday, a global type meetup. The two discuss Thomas's journey from an art-obsessed youth on Long Island to becoming a key figure in the global type design community. Thomas shares pivotal moments such as his apprenticeship with Joshua Darden, the development and international expansion of Type Thursday, and his passion for the open-source type movement. Tune in for an interesting look at the intersection of type design, education, and community-building. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

In this episode, host Doug Wilson sits down with his long-time friend, Kyle Read, a distinguished type designer and graphic designer based in Denver, Colorado. Kyle shares his journey from studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design, working for various design studios and advertising agencies, to founding Badson Type Foundry. The two discuss the balance Kyle maintains between branding and type design, offering insights into the economic realities of the industry and the importance of creating brand-ready, personality-driven typefaces. Additionally, the episode delves into Kyle's innovative marketing strategies for type foundries and his collaborative project, Proof & Co, which provides valuable data analyzing the independent typography market. Through it all, Kyle emphasizes the significance of community within the type industry, particularly within Denver, a city he and Doug both celebrate for its unique creative spirit and historical ties to typography. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

In the final edition of our new podcast miniseries series, Behind the Font, we answer your questions about font licensing [cue Jeopardy theme]! Once again, Monotype's Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Phil Carey-Bergren wades into the intricacies of font licensing with our host, Carl Unger. Topics include the implications of breaching font licenses, the significance of copyright, and what to do if you accidentally breach a contract or misuse a font license. Behind the Font is exactly what it sounds like - a podcast miniseries that looks behind the creative work we love to better understand how creative work gets done. Have a question or topic you'd like us to explore? Email us at podcast@monotype.com and we may cover it!

In the second edition of our new podcast miniseries series, Behind the Font, we dig into the technical side of font licensing [cue psycho theme]. Our Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Phil Carey-Bergren, and host, Carl Unger, dissect the main parts of a font license and walk us through some common font licensing use cases you might see at work.  Behind the Font is exactly what it sounds like - a podcast miniseries that looks behind the creative work we love to better understand how creative work gets done. Have a question or topic you'd like us to explore? Email us at podcast@monotype.com and we may cover it! 

In the first-ever edition of our new podcast miniseries, Behind the Font, we dive into the often murky and mysterious waters of font licensing [cue Jaws theme]. Our guest for this journey into the depths is Monotype Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Phil Carey-Bergren, and we couldn't ask for a better person to walk us through the ins and outs of these contracts. In Part 1, we get a crash course in recent font history to understand how licenses have evolved and why this matters to today's brands, designers, and agencies.  Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we'll dissect the elements of a license and ask the question everyone is thinking - do I really need to read this whole thing? Behind the Font is exactly what it sounds like - a podcast miniseries that looks behind the creative work we love to better understand how creative work gets done. Have a question or topic you'd like us to explore? Email us at podcast@monotype.com and we may cover it!

This episode of Creative Characters is hosted by Livia, our Social Media Manager at Monotype. Livia interviews designer Kat Romulo about her unconventional journey into design, beginning with a serendipitous flyer at UC Berkeley. Kat shares her rise from posting personal projects on Instagram to acquiring client work, her experiences with public speaking, and her thoughts on the pros and cons of social media for creatives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of designing for oneself to combat burnout, as well as Kat's philosophy of seeking client work that aligns with her values. Additionally, Kat talks about her evolving creative process, the significance of artistic experimentation, and the impact of building a close-knit community through social media. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

Host Doug Wilson geeks out about watch design with Lee Yuen-Rapati of Fears Watch Company. They discuss the intricacies of designing numerals for watches and the parallels between watch design and typeface design. And if you're looking for inspiration on a personal project — or just want to drool over some gorgeous sketches — check out Yuen-Rapati's @onehourwatch project, where he draws bespoke watches in one hour or less and posts them on Instagram. You can find blog posts for this and all our past episodes at www.monotype.com/podcast.

Host Graham Sturt journeys into the life and work of famed graphic designer Lance Wyman. Renowned for his iconic Mexico 1968 Olympics identity, Wyman shares the story of how a one-way flight to Mexico City ultimately landed him a role on this influential design team. Wyman talks about other key moments in his career as well, like working on the Chrysler Pavilion at the '64-'65 New York World's Fair and creating a comprehensive wayfinding system for the Mexico City Metro. The conversation also covers Wyman's thoughts on design philosophy, his inferiority complex around typography, and his knack for infusing local cultural elements into his designs. Take a deep dive into the mind of a design legend who continues to influence the field well into his eighties. 

Hear Monotype Creative Director Graham Sturt in conversation with Vic Lee, an artist, illustrator, and self-described “ragamuffin.” After years of doing graphic design work for agencies, Vic was ready for a change. So, he began sketching a streetscape from a little cafe in his London neighborhood — a practice that evolved into a popular local prints project and launched his career as a working artist. Murals may be what Vic is best known for, as he's inked them for clients across the UK and internationally. Currently, he's painting a portrait a day, each inspired by a real person he's seen out and about. If you need a bit of creative inspiration or are looking to reinvent your creative practice, this episode's for you!

In this week's episode, first-time host Doug Wilson chats with Petra Dočekalová, a designer, educator, calligrapher, and sign painter from Prague, Czech Republic. They explore Petra's involvement in a book about Yaroslav Benda, a notable Czech designer known for his typography and calligraphy. Their conversation covers networking at events like TypeCon, the influence of Benda's style on Czech design, and the impact of his work. Petra also shares insights on her lettering, calligraphy, and type design work, along with her passion for teaching and knowledge sharing, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and blending historical and modern design practices.

Each year, for over a week, the city of Austin, Texas erupts into a cacophony of life, music, film premieres, comedy showcases, interactive tech demonstrations, and world-class exhibitions for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW). This year, amongst the chaos, community, and creativity of the festival, we recorded our first-ever episode of the podcast on stage in front of a live audience. Monotype's Bill Connolly gathered guests from different corners of the branding world and settled on stage in the balmy, Austin air to talk branding, design, and customer experience through each of their unique lenses. Tune in for a masterclass in branding that explores the visual elements and innovative technology driving how brands, advertising, and experiences influence our responses. Read more about the event here: monotype.com/resources/expertise/brandtalks-sxsw

For many of us, the sea holds a special place in our hearts — the sights, smells, sounds of long summer nights are etched into our minds. Join Monotype Creative Director Graham Sturt as he and guest Justin Burns, Head of the School of Arts at the University of Derby, explore the signage and typography of the English seaside and examine the linkage between letters, memories, and emotion.

How do cultural influences, historical contexts, and geopolitics influence design and typography? As part of the 2024 Type Trends report, we wanted to take a deeper look at how design is manifesting across the globe. This episode will take you on a journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the colorful neighborhoods of Santiago, the romantic avenues of Paris, and the vibrant restaurants of Kuala Lumpur. Tune in for insights, stories, and anecdotes from creative thought leaders shaping their local design scenes: Jolene Delisle, Founder & Creative Director of The Working Assembly; Belén La Rivera, Senior Brand Designer, and Alan Eaglehurst, Creative Director, at FutureBrand; Violaine Orsoni and Jérémy Schneider, Creative Partners at VJ Type and Violaine & Jeremy; and Joanne Chew, Founder of Fictionist Studio.  Want to learn more about type trends? Join our Type Trends 2024 webinar on March 21; register here. Heading to SXSW? Don't miss a live recording of this very podcast! Join us March 13 at 3pm; register here: mntype.co/sxsw  

This week, host Charles Nix sits down with Steffi Marty, the Global Director of Brand Identity and Design for Mars Snacking. If that sounds abstract, you probably know the brands she oversees: the Mars Bar, Snickers, Skittles, and M&M's. Charles and Steffi collaborated on a new typeface for M&M's, released last year, and the two discuss the joys and challenges of managing such beloved and personal brands, why typography is crucial to that, and what she calls a "ruthless discipline to weed out the things that are unnecessary.” Heading to SXSW? Don't miss a live recording of this very podcast! Join us March 13 at 3pm; register here: mntype.co/sxsw

You've probably heard something about it, but just in case you missed it: our 2024 Type Trends report is finally here! And good news: this week on Creative Characters, you can tune in to hear even more about it.   Join Type Designer Jordan Bell and Creative Type Director Damien Collot as they discuss their experiences curating this year's report, guide you through the trends that moved them, and discuss the projects they admired. Take a plunge into the styles that shaped the typographic landscape this past year and find out more about what sets them apart. Who knows, you might fancy something a little bit deformed? Or perhaps you'll welcome a return to serifs? Maybe you'll crave a little bit of Everythingallofthetime! Listen up — this is what type is telling us as 2024 begins. Enjoy!   If you haven't done so already, download the report at monotype.com/type-trends-2024 — and if you're keen to hear more about it, be sure to sign up for our webinar on March 21, 2024!   

We're closing out 2023 by spotlighting three amazing type studios from different corners of the world — and three of our favorite hosts.  This week, Charles Nix, Phil Garnham, and Tom Foley each selected a type designer they admire to bring on the show: Stephen Nixon of ArrowType; Alja Herlah, Directress & Lead type designer at Type Salon; and Matthieu Salvaggio, Founder and Type Designer at Blaze Type. Three perspectives, three journeys, and three lively conversations about our favorite subject. Enjoy!

Roger Black draws from origins and evolution of type, type trend drivers, and his own career in this week's episode with our own Charles Nix. Combining various lenses that allow creatives to see between and behind the lines of type, the two designers inspect the nitty gritty of typographic design — from machinery to wider influences of cultural shifts — and how to look backwards in order to see forward and achieve timeless and iconic type design.  Roger Black is a renowned American designer known for his extensive and influential portfolio, from editorial designs for Rolling Stone, New York Times Magazine, and Newsweek to his digital work for Barnes & Noble, the Senate, and more.

Now that the Adobe MAX dust has settled, we bring you our second annual recap of the inspiring event that brought 10,000 from around the world to Los Angeles in October. Between emotional, soul-baring presentations that went much deeper than design, to the “font connection” game at the Monotype booth, there was a palpable sense of community and connection at MAX this year. In this episode, you'll hear from twenty or so voices, including type designers, animators, comic book designers, students, and even a specialty letterpress printer, all of whom were kind enough to share their time and their stories with us on the mic. Read more about Adobe MAX here: monotype.com/adobe-max-2023-follow-up      Follow our guests: Zipeng Zhu - instagram.com/zzdesign John Roshell - swelltype.com, comicbookfonts.com Chris Hoffman - velleitystudios.com Cam Sherrill - camsherrill.com Nubia Navarro - nubikinistudio.com Eph Gerard Cruz - instagram.com/quantumeph, xfinitycreative.com Joshua Ariza - instagram.com/joshua_ariza, joshuaariza.com Ben Levitz - instagram.com/STUDIOONFIRE, studioonfire.com Kelsey Slay - instagram.com/kelseyslaydesign 

For decades, the bright colors and bold type of Globe Poster Printing Corportation formed the cultural heartbeat of Baltimore. From R&B shows and rock concerts to boxing matches and, now, something called a Deviled Egg Pageant (?!), Globe's unmistakable style has shouted out a range of events — and brought color and electricity to the urban landscape.  Globe and its archive are now part of the Maryland College Institute of Art (MICA), and we sat down with Allison Tipton from MICA to discuss the living legacy of this landmark print shop. Check out Globe's collection online here.

Can you remember a time you had an emotional reaction to type? Have fonts ever made you feel some type of way? This week, we dive into Monotype's scientific research on the emotional power of typography. Marie Boulanger, Senior Brand Designer at Monotype, joins as a guest and shares some of the thinking, methodology, and insights behind the global studies. You'll also hear stories about fonts and feelings from designers, creative directors, and producers we spoke with at Brand Talks Chicago and Brand New Conference. Learn more about the research at monotype.com/typography-matters

David Berlow has been at the forefront of type design, publishing, and technology for 45 years. His impressive career began in 1978 drawing letterforms for the Haas, Mergenthaler, Linotype, and Stempel type foundries, before he went on to work at Apple, Bitstream, and later founded the Font Bureau with Roger Black.  A self-described “loose cannon” and “boat rocker,” Berlow has been at the center of type innovation for decades, consulting for companies like Apple and Google, all whilst designing some of the world's most celebrated and recognizable fonts, including custom designs for iconic publishers such as The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, Esquire Magazine and The Wall Street Journal and brands including Apple Computer Inc., Google Inc. and Microsoft Corporation.  In this week's episode Tom Rickner, the Senior Director of the Studio at Monotype, sits down with Berlow. Fun fact: Berlow hired Rickner at the Font Bureau, kicking off his career as a type designer. You'll hear the two reminisce, talk shop, and explore Berlow's influences, predictions, and perspectives on mentorship and team building.   Read more about this episode and our past guests at monotype.com/podcast.   

Erwin Hines' creative life began with an interest in architecture and urban planning but shifted to art, design, and brand building after several serendipitous events. In a time when concepts like empathy and inclusivity have become trendy catchphrases, Erwin decided to step away from agency life, where he had been actively involved with DE&I initiatives, to build his own brand, Future is Color. Erwin designs and produces intentionally crafted garments and hosts in-person events at Future is Color's mixed-use studio in San Diego, California. The brand's mission is to create space for intentional conversations about collective liberation. For more on Erwin's work and Future is Color, visit future-is-color.com.  Read more about this episode and our past guests at monotype.com/podcast.

Kent Yoshimura does a lot. And that's kinda his thing. At a young age, Kent learned that pouring himself into something artistic meant he could glimpse at mastery and then find ways to play with whatever that skill might be. Throughout his life, Kent has illustrated for children's books, recorded music for film and television, made a couple documentaries, designed immersive experiences, built a thriving business, painted numerous beautiful murals, and so much more. But what's maybe most striking is this: through all the hard work, trial and error, and eventual success, Kent's pursuit is in the joy of creating something with a community and for a community.  We're excited for you to hear his story. Read more about this episode and our past guests at monotype.com/podcast

Sarah Olin started her career as a magazine designer at a challenging time — during the 2010s, when the industry was trying to figure out its transition to digital. She stuck with magazines for over a decade, designing for major fashion and beauty publications like Allure, Glamour, and Cosmo. But she recently shifted to brand art direction and, spoiler, she likes it. As Art Director at Warby Parker, Sarah works on everything from retail design to TV commercials to fashion campaigns. Her story is one of adaptability, and with the design landscape rapidly changing, it feels fitting for the moment.

In the Before Times, working from home was often treated as a perk, or maybe a dubious accommodation for someone with a doctor's appointment. But we know how that story unfolded following the COVID outbreak in 2020, and now remote work is the norm for creative teams all over the world. Upwork Executive Creative Director Patrick Holly joins us this week to talk about the benefits and challenges remote work presents for creatives, how he keeps his global team connected and fulfilled, and why the days of “adult daycare” and “butts in seats” should be relegated to the history books for good.

“Modern creators know that pace rivals perfection.” Picsart, which provides photo and video editing tools and templates to the creator community, has lived this motto since it began more than a decade ago. Today, with more than 150 million monthly users, the company is helping to streamline the design process like never before. In this week's episode, Monotype's Bill Connolly sits down with Scott Walker, Executive Creative Director at Picsart, to learn about Scott's design process, which began in a print shop and has led him to work with some of the world's most popular brands. They also discuss artificial intelligence, the future of creativity, and why it's important for designers to always “follow the feels.” Read more about this episode and our past guests at monotype.com/podcast.

This week's episode is a triple threat. Monotype Executive Creative Directors Phil, Tom, and Charles each selected a type designer they admire to bring on the show.  What resulted is inspiring discussions with Mark Bloom of CoType, Naïma Ben Ayed Bureau, and Jesse Ragan and Ben Kiel of XYZ Type, three unique studios making great work in their own distinct ways.

For decades, creative work has consolidated in traditional locations such as Los Angeles, New York, and London. Today, technology has opened the aperture on creativity, enabling brilliant producers, writers, and artists to work directly with brands and entertainment studios from anywhere. In this week's episode, Monotype's Bill Connolly sits down with James DeJulio, co-founder and CEO of Tongal, a "studio on demand" that boasts an impressive roster of clients like LEGO, PayPal, NBC Universal, and more. A former Hollywood producer, DeJulio shares his insight into the ever-changing world of content creation and outlines the recipe that has grown Tongal's community to more than 160,000 members. Read more about this episode and our past guests at monotype.com/podcast

Mark Simonson has designed some of the most widely used typefaces in the world. Host Charles Nix sits down to talk influences, process, and why truly memorable work – such as Simonson's versatile, legible, and wildly ubiquitous Proxima Nova – has to be “both novel and familiar.” And speaking of legibility, don't forget to check out the article about font legibility mentioned in our intro: https://www.monotype.com/resources/expertise/find-legible-fonts

Ever wanted a peek inside the creative minds behind one of the biggest design platforms in the world? If so, this episode is for you. Canva, the go-to graphic design software for 125 million global users, recently celebrated its 10th birthday at its annual Create event in Sydney. Before the big event, our Executive Creative Director, Charles Nix, sat down with Canva's Head of Design, Andrew Green, to talk about his own international career beginning at agencies in New York and Hong Kong and circling back to Canva, where he now oversees the design leadership team in Melbourne. Read more about this episode and our past guests at monotype.com/podcast

Maureen Raisch has spent the past 18 years designing for some of the biggest names in professional sports — from MLB team rebrands to marquee events for the NHL and NFL, including the Super Bowl. Now, as she embarks on a new journey as the first ever Creative Director for the National Women's Soccer League, Maureen reflects on the importance of visibility and inclusivity in sports branding, the power of design to elevate women's sports, and what she calls her own "personal rebrand." To read more about this episode and our past guests, head over to monotype.com/podcast.

This week, we take you behind the scenes of one of Monotype's biggest, and most anticipated campaigns of the year: the annual Type Trends report. Tune in to hear from the report's curators, Creative Type Directors Terrance Weinzierl and Emilios Theofanous on their experiences producing the report. Why do people make trends reports? What does the curation process entail? How do cultural and societal shifts influence patterns in typography and design? What should creatives do with this information? Download the report and sign up for the Type Trends virtual event at monotype.com/type-trends-2023. To read more about this episode and our past guests, head over to monotype.com/podcast.

Aaron Draplin likely needs little introduction – he's one of the most beloved and well-known designers working today. People fill auditoriums for his talks and workshops, wait in long lines for selfies (and Draplin Design Company merch), and fill his DMs with requests for advice, help, and perspective. In this episode, Draplin shares his perspective on design education, staying inspired and motivated, the “surreal” experience of becoming a mentor figure to so many designers, and the “weird little spot” he's in as he approaches 50. Warning: some explicit language, but all in jest!