Shapeshifting Typefaces: Designing and Producing Variable Fonts

Learn how to make variable fonts and explore new design possibilities for typefaces that can fluidly change shape.

Recent developments in font technology allow typefaces to break free from the static restrictions designers have grown used to since typography was invented. In a world where responsive design systems are a normal part of any design project, variable fonts offer typographic adaptability that was previously impractical or impossible. They also offer extra flexibility for non-standard dimensions in typeface design beyond the typical parameters of weight, width, and optical size.

This workshop will cover the process of adapting traditional type families into a variable font format, but will also explore experiments with non-standard design spaces and developing new variable typefaces from scratch. It is intended for people who have made fonts before and are interested in exploring the new possibilities of variable fonts.

Required Materials

• Students must have a laptop with RoboFont installed and previous experience with digital typeface design.

A workshop offered by Type@Cooper West, a collaboration between Letterform Archive and The Cooper Union Continuing Education Department, and held in the Monotype Classroom at Letterform Archive.