Type Tasting x Better Letters present

From brush strokes to typography

You love letterforms, you’re keen to broaden your vocabulary of lettering styles and would like to understand why different typefaces evoke specific associations. No prior experience or drawing skills are necessary.

Discover a new approach that unlocks your understanding of letterforms and demystifies the language used to describe them. Gain the confidence to go beyond your comfort zone and to use a wider range of typefaces as storytelling devices. You’ll learn from an author who has spoken about typography on television, radio and some of the biggest stages in the graphic design world. The most exciting thing you’ll discover is how much of an expert you already are.

This is a workshop for the creatively curious, which takes you on a hands-on tour through the history of letterforms as you discover how the sign writer’s brush has profoundly influenced the development of typefaces in Europe and North America.

“Fantastic”, “I will explain my type choices to my clients with more confidence”, “Informative, friendly and brilliant”, “Inspirational”, “Fascinating”, “Really helpful and supportive environment”.

This workshop with author and Type Tasting founder Sarah Hyndman takes you on a journey through time and letterforms with fast-paced sketching exercises throughout. Images, sound, scent and tasters will bring each era to life, making this a fun and enlightening discovery session. This workshop has been created exclusively for Better Letters.

Date: Saturday 30th March, 10am to 5pm
Location: Chocolate Factory N16, London N16 7SX
Price: £180

Are you a graphic designer looking for creative inspiration as part of your professional development? Let us know so we can reserve your spot and we'll invoice your employer directly. Request a pdf presentation.

Book here or get in touch to organise a private session for your group or organisation.

Brush strokes to typography workshop
Journey back to the source of the serif and discover the classic proportions that have echoed across the centuries.. Uncover the genuine English vernacular style, and find the evidence to prove that sans serifs appeared on buildings long before they…

Journey back to the source of the serif and discover the classic proportions that have echoed across the centuries.. Uncover the genuine English vernacular style, and find the evidence to prove that sans serifs appeared on buildings long before they were printed.

 
 

You’ll use a selection of mark-making tools including charcoal, pens, pencils and poster paints in your exploration of letterforms (you’re welcome to bring your favourite pens and brushes). This is not a sign writing technique workshop; but it is an ideal companion because it teaches you theory to complement the skill.

The workshop is suitable for complete beginners, and those with previous experience. No prior experience or drawing skills are necessary.

 
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography
 

You will: Journey back to the source of the serif and discover the classic proportions that have echoed across the centuries; Uncover the genuine English vernacular style, and find the evidence to prove that sans serifs appeared on buildings long before they were printed; Unpick the idiosyncrasies of naming systems, and celebrate sign writers as the first branding designers — whose influence can still be seen in many of today’s logos; Find out how a quick and casual style left England and went on to travel the world; And spot the shapes of 19th Century counter-culture in fading ghostsigns.

This workshop is ideal for:

• Sign writers who work with design, branding and communications agencies.

• Graphic designers who would like to connect sign writing with type theory.

• The curious who would like to learn more about the history of letterforms in a fun and relaxed setting.

• As a team building session for all departments in the creative industries.

Take home a signed copy of the limited first edition The Type Taster by Sarah Hyndman, not available elsewhere.

 
 
Brush strokes to typography workshop
Unpick the idiosyncrasies of naming systems, and celebrate sign writers as the first branding designers — whose influence can still be seen in many of today’s logos. Find out how a quick and casual style left England and went on to travel the world;…

Unpick the idiosyncrasies of naming systems, and celebrate sign writers as the first branding designers — whose influence can still be seen in many of today’s logos. Find out how a quick and casual style left England and went on to travel the world; and spot the shapes of fading ghostsigns in the counter-culture of the 1960s.

Sarah Hyndman is the author of ‘Why Fonts Matter’ and the new ‘What’s Your Type? A type dating card game’. She’s a regular speaker, including TEDx and SXSW, and pops up regularly on radio and TV. Sarah has been researching cultural coding and perception of typefaces for five years.

From brush strokes to typography
Brush strokes to typography workshop
Photo by Aya Watanabe

Photo by Aya Watanabe

Location

The workshop is on the first floor of a converted Victorian Chocolate Factory overlooking a pretty cobbled courtyard surrounded by artist’s studios. It is nestled in a quiet street between Dalston and Stoke Newington (please note that access is via an external metal staircase). The nearest stations are Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland, and there are plenty of buses (the nearest stop is Princess May Road).

Lunch

There are lots of cafés nearby for lunch, alternatively you're welcome to bring a packed lunch with you. There will be plenty of hot and cold drinks and snacks available throughout the day.

The Type Taster by Sarah Hyndman

Questions

Please get in touch with Sarah if you have any questions about this session.

Book here or get in touch to organise a private session for your group or organisation.

 
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography
From brush strokes to typography