Digital branding

Many people think of fonts as static design elements, but in reality they are software files that regularly receive updates: anything from fixes, to expansions, or improvements, generally anything that often benefits the user in the long run.

When you’re a designer, it’s thrilling to create a new brand or update an existing one. You get to be creative! Strategic! You get a chance to make your mark!

In addition to deciding on a color palette and imagery style, you get to choose foundational typefaces for your brand. But font selection should not be based on looks alone.

Craig Ward: From metal type to the digital unknown.

This week, host Charles Nix sits down with Craig to talk about his career, his myriad side projects and quirky pastimes, and how technology could revolutionize the way we use type and ensure the rights of ownership for designers.

The way you purchase project fonts may seem like a minor detail, but it’s not. Purchasing a one-off font can introduce legal risk, extend project timelines, and cost you both time and money. Centralizing font discovery, licensing, and distribution with Monotype Fonts saves time and improves the creative process.

As our world becomes immersed in digital experiences, the type you use needs to keep up. Use this checklist to ensure your typeface meets the task at hand.

Today we're welcoming Annie Atkins, a creative in the film industry (just like our last guest, Holly Fraser). She's known for her graphic props and set pieces for Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs. Tune-in to learn about the magic of film.

As a creative, it’s easy to get swept away by trends and the latest and greatest. Learn about 8 unique places for inspiration and when to bring type selection into your process.

Holly Fraser: Winning Oscars and attention with a purpose-driven brand.

Today we're welcoming Holly Fraser, editor-in-chief at WePresent, WeTransfer's digital arts platform that works with 1,000+ creatives from over 100 countries. Tune-in to learn what makes a hit film, how to stay inspired, and why the creative industries need more diversity.

This year, like many of you, we were excited to be back at the Brand New conference in person for a 2-day meetup of some of the most influential voices in design and branding. Read on for 5 things we learned.

Positive. Inclusive. Fun. A fluid new identity for Pride Amsterdam.

Mindy Seu: Gathering 30 years of cyberfeminism.

Today we're welcoming Mindy Seu, a New York-based designer, researcher, and an educator at Rutgers and Yale. Seu recently completed the Cyberfeminism Index, a book documenting more than 700 short entries of radical techno-critical activism. Tune in as Seu shares her story of getting involved in cyberfeminism and the process involved in publishing her book.

Jason Debiak: Let's start a design agency from scratch.

This week we're welcoming Jason Debiak, friend of Creative Characters co-host, Carl, and co-founder of Paper Tiger, a family-owned design agency. Jason runs the agency alongside his brother, creating designs for user-friendly websites and mobile applications while having a Helvetica of a good time.

Ximena Amaya on the role of design in communication, architecture, and protest.

Monotype partnered with D8 to craft a fluid new identity for Pride Amsterdam, one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world attracting thousands of visitors. Read the full case study for more.