Changin One’s Mind

Typefaces are often seen as absolute statements, a cultural certainty condensed into a set of abstract shapes. The laborious endeavour of designing type requires a proflective proficiency, foreseeing the potential use value of typographic raw material.

This talk gives insight into the (often agonizing) procedures that are self-initiated type design projects. The dynamic interplay of historical references and technological necessities, of functionality and personality is often accompanied by a constant feedback loop between doubt and confidence.

In an act of auto-defamiliarization, Ellmer Stefan attempts to unmask type design’s illusion of certainty. Showcasing examples from his workbench and articulating the omnipresent inner mechanics of active hesitation, this presentation will (hopefully) demonstrate how to embrace the inevitable serpentines of the designing mind.