Free Script Fonts

everyone needs a good script or two. You'll need something elegant, something fresh, something wild, something retro, and something grunge. While this is a good collection of scripts to start, we'll be uploading more and more during the festival. These are ready to download for free:
* Take me out to the ball game! Sedona Script
* PIA FRAUSS' Extraordinary Calligraphy Collection
* Learning Curve simplified monostroke script
* Scrips and more from Digital Graphic Labs
* Ballpark Weiner by Mickey Rossi
* CAC Champagne, 'Wedding Script'
* The King and Queen Font
* Quilline Thin
* Moody Boys
... and more: August 30, 2012

18th Annual Fall Typography Surf

All year long, I've been saving up typography references for our annual fonts surf. There are now so many typography knock-off and replicator sites it is almost no longer worth the surf. With Pinterest, and any number of other specialized social networking sites with topics, you're almost sure to get an overload of visual stimulation very quickly. So, sit back and take a little time . . . August 30, 2012

Calligraphy & Penmanship Gift Guide

Whether you use the pen craft professionally, or just for personal expression, it embodies a tradition of beauty and discipline that few other crafts can match. Here are my favorite learning guides for mastering the time-honored art and craft of calligraphy, lettering and penmanship -- for young and old! The first time someone sees you writing in pure copperplate and exclaims "Wow, how did you learn that?" you'll know you've gained a skill few others posess. Any of these books will also make a superb gift for anyone on your list. October 27, 2011

Fred's XYZ Blocks

We've all seen, and probably owned ABC Blocks at one time or another. But for kids today, do you think it's time to get a little different perspective? Fred of course has XYZ Blocks ... October 12, 2011

Copperplate Calligraphy

I've preached about the beauty of copperplate calligraphy before -- arguably the most beautiful form of hand lettering. I've encouraged you to at least try your had at producing it by hand, because by doing so you experience the true are and craft of penmanship. Here's some help to get you started September 30, 2011

Retro Fonts : the real thing

One of my serious on-going complaints in the graphic arts industry is the use of the term "retro" -- fewer and fewer designers actually know what it means. We're seeing literally hundreds of tutorials titled retro-this or retro-that. So, listen up young designers: here's the quintessential reference on the use of 'retro' fonts. In fact, it's called RETROFONTS! September 29, 2011

Ampersand Fever 2

Our journey into the world of ampersands continues with lots more very cool iterations of ampersands ... * a project by Stephen Gose * Sarah France likes ampersands * Ampersands at VisualizeUs * Ampersand pretzels * Amper Sandwich at Pinterest * Ampersand Project ... and more as we discover more outbreaks of Ampersand Fever ... September 29, 2011

17th Annual Fonts Surf Three

As we continue our typography surf for this year, we take some twists and turns from the Korean Pavilion At Shanghai, to the branding remake for Chocolate ... along with * Eden Martinez : Typography Illustrations * Lettering on photographs * Panos Vassiliou - PF Champion Script Pro * Typefaces give us signals, and more -- continuing through October ... September 23, 2011

Just My Type - A Book About Fonts

Simon Garfield's new book "Just My Type" is a wonderful romp through the world of fonts and typography ... a little bit history, a little big rumor, a lot of background and a pile of really fun insights into type, letters and letterforms -- required reading! September 19, 2011

Ampersand Fever

Twenty Three years ago I selected an ampersand for the banner of DT&G, and then used it in many different creative ways in the newsletter and eventually, in the site, like our &Else column. Today, it seems like everyone has the ampersand fever ... thus a new series in our Typography department ... September 16, 2011