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AMA: Jessica Hische, Lettering Artist & Type Designer

over 8 years ago from Jessica Hische, Letterer / Procrastiworker

  • Jeremy TreudenJeremy Treuden, over 8 years ago

    Jessica,

    Congrats on new addition to the family. I'm sure it was tough getting back into work and the swing of things after something like that. My wife and I are actually about to have one of our own, and I am already dreading being away from the kid-to-be! On top of that, you also deserve a congrats on the release of your new book! So, yeah, double-congrats!!!

    Anywho, I'm a designer who considers myself an amateur (at best) hand-letterer. I definitely desire to get better. I plan to purchase and read your book ASAP. But I'm curious about something; with the rise in popularity of hand-type, it seems as if everyone is trying their hand (pardon the pun) at the style. For you, an experienced letterer, is it easy to spot the fakes/hacks or beginners? What are some of the things that give it away? What things are good to avoid and make not of not to do as I try to better my skills?

    Basically, give me all your secrets!!! Thanks :)

    1 point
    • Jessica HischeJessica Hische, over 8 years ago

      Of course! One of the things I do when looking at lettering is I try to strip away all the decorative bits (which includes color, gradients, swashes, illustrative elements, drop shadows, linear ornamentation, etc) and look at the letterforms themselves. Usually someone that is early in their career focuses way too much on the decoration (because, honestly, ornamentation is exciting and fun) and less on the letterforms. If the letterforms don't hold up without the decoration hiding all their flaws, I know the person has a lot to learn.

      1 point