From July 5–9 I attended Typography Summer School, a week-long workshop in London ran by Fraser Muggeridge. The experience was incredible, a week of learning from experts in the field and fellow students from around the world. Each day was visited by different tutors: Ken Garland, David Pearson, Paul Elliman, Europa and Sara De Bondt.

TSS gave a new perspective on graphic design and typography — a perspective that both confirmed and challenged my already present beliefs. Though it is hard to put everything I gained into a single article, here are four general concepts I learned:

Fraser Muggeridge discusses typography

1. Challenge the Brief

There are two polar extremes that one can take when given a brief: do what it says, or not. In regards to the former, graphic designers are servants, serving the needs of the client. In regards to the latter, graphic designers are artists, coming up with creative solutions devoid of rules. But then there are the areas in between. One comment that was made by Ken Garland stood out for me: he vouched for the rebellious route, stating that it would be wrong if you delivered exactly what the client asked for.

David Pearson talks about the history of Penguin’s book covers

2. Love what you do

One trait that runs through successful graphic designers, and through most professions, is passion for the trade. For example, David Pearson talked about how much he truly loved book covers, specifically the work done at Penguin’s creative department; and with his work at Penguin and beyond, that love shows. The students were there because they were truly obsessed with typography and design, and that created a environment that allowed for high quality work.

Ken Garland lectures about the history of the written language

3. Details

Details, in graphic design, are everything. This was hammered home by Fraser Muggeridge, the founder of Typography Summer School, and Sarah Newitt of Fraser Muggeridge Studio. Their work is all about the details in typography. Leading makes a difference. Kerning makes a difference. Typography, makes
a difference.

4. Know the Rules so you can Break Them

Knowledge is power!

A slide from Paul Elliman

Special thanks to Alex Lïs for his photographs & sandwiches.

On July 30 & 31 Typography Summer School will be holding a series of critiques at the Victoria and Albert Museum, information is available on the Typography Summer School website.