The Drawn Letter
with
Ken Barber
Lettering is a unique discipline, offering a distinctive means of visual expression not possible with writing or conventional typography. Among the drawn letter’s characteristic advantages is its potential not simply to communicate content, but to become content itself. This workshop will investigate recent historical approaches to lettering, in addition to exploring various production techniques. Participants will refer to familiar typographic models and helpful specimens as they create their own hand-drawn wordmarks. Comprehensive slide presentations and drawing demonstrations will provide further guidance as students acquire a practical foundation for implementing one-of-a-kind lettering in various design contexts. Required Materials
About Ken Barber
Ken Barber is a letterer, type designer, author, and instructor. He blames Don Martin comics, Santa Cruz skateboard graphics, and speed metal logos for his obsession with letterforms. For over 25 years, Ken has produced distinctive logos for global brands and created award-winning fonts. His work is part of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Ken is the type director and studio letterer at House Industries. Author of three books, his award-winning Lettering Manual was released in 2020.