Font ❤️ Friday and Other Designery Things #22

Font ❤️ Friday and Other Designery Things #22

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I didn’t see myself as a writer two years ago, when I started this newsletter. But here I am. Writing! So thanks for sticking with me, and for your lovely feedback.

And I don’t just write the newsletter these days.

This month I wrote an article called “Trade Secrets” for The Strad magazine, which I design. It was a step-by-step guide to Photoshop retouching skills for luthiers (the people who make stringed instruments – in case it comes up in a pub quiz).

This month, I’m writing the June edition of the “Sunrise Club” newsletter for Freelancer Magazine.

And this week, I started writing a blog for my website called “Do awards matter?” In the name of research, I put a call out on LinkedIn for different views. Phew! I didn’t expect to get that many comments! I got so much feedback it’s now turned into an article!

So I suppose I AM a writer… of sorts.

And “as a writer” (haha)… I love script handwritten fonts. I’m always looking for a more gentle creative turn instead of the regulars like ‘Marker pen’. Let’s take a look at Olicana.

This comes in three weights. I especially like the rough as it looks a little more realistic, like a fountain pen (who still writes with those – I have one!) or a quill. It comes with various ligatures (swirly bits) includinga splat of ink. Reminds me of Guy Fawkes. You can purchase it here or if you have Adobe CC you can download it.

Image credit: I Love Typography

FONTS

Fresh from the grocers
Have you seen the new brand identity for Asda? Advertising agency Havas has partnered with the Colophon type foundry and rebranded the supermarket with fresh new in-store display fonts. It has a playful mix of upper and lower case (unicase). The sticker design colours give it a certain approachable feel. What do you think? Do you like it? Read more about it here.

Pic credit: It’s Nice that Is!

“Extra extra..
read all about it…” if you’re old enough you’ll remember the TV slogan advertising a newspaper… no? Ah well – take a look at the slab serif typeface Stringer. Looks similar to the type used for newspapers in the past but with a modern look. Fancy another pub quiz fact? “Stringer” is a slang term for a freelance journalist.

Fonts for Dyslexia
I recently joined a webinar by Oliver Schöndorfer (Pimp My Type) with type designer Eleni Beveratou. It was an informative talk asking, “Are dyslexia fonts any good?” With their view on fonts designed for accessibility. It’s a good watch.

DESIGNERY THINGS

Kickstarter alert
In last month’s FLF, I highlighted the book ‘Universal Principles of Typography’ by Elliot Jay Stocks. Elliot has now launched a Kickstarter to produce a new book ‘Fine Specimens’, a collection of contemporary specimen graphics from indie type foundries around the world.

A Kickstarter is like crowd funder – it needs people to donate. If it doesn’t reach the target number of backers, the book might not get made (noooo!) Find out more here.

Become an Unsplash Contributor
How many times have we seen an image and said “that’s from Unsplash!” LOL. We all know about the photos, but they’re now asking for illustrations. You can sign up here.

The Birmingham Design Festival
The festival is back on the 6th - 8th June and there are still tickets available. The event covers workshops, talks, portfolio reviews… there’s a lot to see and do! See what takes your fancy here.

FREELANCING

Things to do when you have nothing to do
We’ve all been there… quiet times are a natural part of freelance life. Other times you need to stop and take a breath. Here are some articles from Creative Boom that are well worth a read.

Doing It For The Kids (DIFTK)
I was on the road again this month at the DIFTK London meet up. It’s a freelance (also online) community for parents/carers, run by the amazing Frankie Tortora. The event was child friendly and had talks from people in the community. My biggest plus was I got to meet online friends in person for the first time. DIFTK has an informative, funny and award-winning podcast by Frankie and Steve Folland.

Pic credit: Saskia Albers of Portray Your Story

Come join me
If you’re up for some online coworking this month, I’m hosting a session on Tuesday 4th June for Freelancer Magazine. Get on some work, meet new people and have some accountability. It starts at 09:30 and we have two 45-minute sessions of focused work time and some breakout rooms for informal networking in the middle.

#FONTLOVEFRIDAY

I start chapter 51 tomorrow. Yup! It’s my birthday. Here’s a birthday gift for you. I know, I know – I should be the one getting the presents! I’m offering a 10% discount on my services up until the 14th June.
Book a call to find out more and quote “BIRTHDAY” for the discount 😉

And I’m on the road again this coming month at Atomicon*. It’s a conference for freelancers and small business owners and it means I get a trip to Newcastle. Also at the infographic seminar Information Is Beautiful in London. Will I see you there?

Pic credit: Mel Barfield

Well, you got to the end! Thank you and have a happy month ahead.

Ange 🌈

Thanks for reading!

View my work.
I specialise in both print and digital graphic design. If you are interested in learning more about me and my services, take a look here.

*contains an affiliate link – I’ll get some cash if you use this link, but I only recommend stuff I genuinely think is awesome.

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