Decadent Deco

TYPOGRAPHY LIFE DRAWING WITH SARAH HYNDMAN

Discover the origins of Art Deco in the 1920s as the first consumer version of an art movement and the emblematic typefaces that gave it real impact. Find out how it was a pure style without ideology that was applied to both appliances and regimes. See how the style evolved during the Great Depression as a reflection of austere economic times along with the architectural lettering and great building projects of the era.

The final episode looks at a nostalgic and futuristic style full of whimsy and optimism that still influences graphic design today. You'll be surprised to discover that this kitsch architectural style is embodied in one of the most famous logos in the world—although you might not realise it! I'll end with a tongue-in-cheek prediction for what's coming next for typography, what do you think?

The live episodes have been broadcast and are now available for you to take part in on catchup.

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Each weekly ticket gives you:

• 3 episodes, which were originally broadcast live
• Access to the recordings 
• Sign up any time during the week and watch what you missed on catchup
• Spotify playlists

With access to the recordings, you can choose the time that suits you best wherever you are in the world.

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Would you like to feel confident and excited about typography? Get creative learning about typefaces with quick and fun sketching exercises. Listen to their backstories and discover the amazing history behind the styles.

Three half-hour sessions will be broadcast each week with access to the recording afterwards so you can take part at a time that suits you. You’ll take part in quick sketching exercises and discover the shapes that make each type style unique. You’ll develop your own drawing style and enjoy the creative process without the pressure of creating a perfect or finished piece of work. Whatever your level, from beginner to expert, this ongoing course will supercharge your love of letterforms.

These online sessions are based on the hugely popular activities from the workshops I’ve been running since 2013.

Ideal for designers, students & anybody curious about letterforms.

Find out about the whole Typography Life Drawing series here

“I signed up for the first Typography Life Drawing session because it sounded interesting and I fancied a bit of sketching. Sarah packs so much information into these fun, bite sized sessions—visual images, sounds, history and further resources; it was way more inspiring than I expected. After every class I’m buzzing with enthusiasm and lots of new ideas!” Kat Gaska

“I was curious about typography but wasn’t sure where to start in learning more. This playful, fast-moving online series was the perfect introduction to some key ideas in the history, use and appreciation of type. Thanks Sarah for your infectious enthusiasm and fun approach to teaching.” Gabby Hoad

Outcomes

• Discover the excitement and beauty of typography 
• Cure “font phobia”
• Get creative and messy as you develop your own sketching style 
• Break out of your typographic comfort zone 
• Discover how drawing letterforms helps you to understand typography 
• Feel inspired by the history of typography 
• Find out why there are so many different type styles 
• See how typefaces reflect social attitudes and cultural change 
• Get hands on with some really beautiful letterforms

Session

In each session I’ll introduce the typeface, style or moment in time to be explored. You’ll be set short sketching exercises so you can explore the shapes of the letterforms and learn about their shapes. As you draw, you’ll be told the stories behind the type—the history, how it developed or why the style’s relevant today.

You’ll be notified in advance of extras to bring to each session. This might be a Spotify playlist to play while you draw, specific drawing tools; sometimes there will be something to taste or smell.

Materials

For the full list of tools, paper and setup suggestions click here.

*How you can support the series

This is a new initiative because I can’t run in-person workshops due to Covid-19.

I need your help to get lots of people to take part so I can keep the price at this level and for the series to continue. If you enjoy the sessions, please support this initiative by encouraging your friends and colleagues to buy subscriptions. Your links should not be shared with others, they are unique to you.

If you would like me to run private sessions for your group or organisation please get in touch with me here.

Tools, paper & setup

Here are some of the mark-making tools you could use. For the full list of tools, paper and setup suggestions click here.

Gallery

How would you like to share images of your work? I’d love to hear your ideas, please drop me a message here.

Typography life drawing is created by Sarah Hyndman

I’m the author of the bestselling book ‘Why Fonts Matter’ and ‘How to Draw Type and Influence People’. I was awarded an MA in Typo/Graphics (distinction) from the London College of Communication (University of the Arts London) and have taught workshops for a wide range of organisations from corporates to educational establishments.

Teaching experience

Taught the yearlong Experimental Typography CMP course at the London College of Communication (University of the Arts London) for six years.

Delivered bespoke workshops for D&AD, I’m also a judge for their New Blood and professional awards.

Created a week-long typography course for students at Ecole Intuit Lab, Mumbai, India. I’m running new online sessions with them later in 2020.

A guest tutor for colleges both in the UK and abroad. These include Birmingham City University, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), Portland State University, RMIT Melbourne, Shillington London, Stevenson University USA, University of the Arts London and VIA University College Denmark.

Creator of mass participation creative events. These have taken place for Design Thinkers Toronto, Pick Me Up at Somerset House, the Victoria and Albert Museum, We Love Graphic Design in Copenhagen and Wellcome.

Visit the main event page

Photo of Sarah by Ivan Jones, large photo below by Jessica Morgan.