Behind the Scenes posts at Letterform Archive

October 1, 2020
Behind the Scenes

Leila Weefur and Alejandro Chavetta Join Our Board of Directors

Letterform Archive will benefit from the fresh perspective and expertise of two creative innovators as we expand the board.

We are pleased and honored to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors. A familiar face to anyone who has seen our membership video, Leila Weefur was a visiting researcher in our early years, and their story about exploring Blackness in advertising and typography at the Archive can be seen in The Occasional. Alejandro Chavetta has partnered with us on many projects, including exhibitions at Astro Studios where he was creative director, and content-creation for Adobe’s Create platform (now Discover), where he serves as Editor in Chief. Leila and Alejandro join an expanding board which aims to represent and respond to our broad community.

June 22, 2020
Behind the Scenes

From Paper to Screen: The Digital Capture of Lettering, Typography, Printmaking, and Graphic Design

The Archive’s digitization librarian offers a glimpse at how we digitally capture the artistry and craft of our physical collection.

A peek at our photography process, shot by Christian Bruno and Dan Cowles for Adobe Create.

May 4, 2020
Behind the Scenes

Sponsor a Shelf

Thousands of books and other design artifacts are lined up for the big Archive move. You can complete their journey.

Paul Rand bookshelf illustration as an animation with frowns turning upside down — Little 1 (detail), 1962. See the entire book, written by Ann Rand and illustrated by Paul Rand, in the Online Archive.

Like many of you, we’re working from home. That doesn’t mean, however, we aren’t still planning the move and thankful to be working with our crews to complete the buildout as safely as possible.

And, right now, your support is more important than ever.

April 10, 2020
Behind the Scenes

Cabin F(or)ever

A stay-at-home design inspiration kit for letter lovers.

February 4, 2020
Behind the Scenes

Preparing to Move the Archive

A good friend will help you move some books, but a true friend will help you move 60,000.

Hey, can we borrow your truck?

Earlier this week, special guest Amos Kennedy Jr. visited the Archive while we were examining our largest books to prep for the move.

We’re so excited to move into our new home, because once we’re all settled in, we’ll be able to better serve our community — you! When most people think about moving, cardboard boxes and packing tape dance in their heads. But to move an archive, we’ll need more than bubble wrap, Sharpies, and trash bags.

January 20, 2020
Behind the Scenes Collections

Processing Paul Rand

In the first of our new series of volunteer journals, Bethany Qualls recounts her experience sorting and listing the Paul Rand collection and how it changed the way she sees design.

Paul Rand’s Westinghouse logo on the escalator landing at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station. Photo: Bethany Qualls.

January 9, 2020
Behind the Scenes

Charter Member Keepsake

Here’s a peek at what’s on its way to our charter members — and how the design came together, thanks to Design is Play and Dependable Letterpress.

December 4, 2019
Behind the Scenes

An Update on Our New Home

Thanks to you, our new space is taking shape. Here’s a peek at what we’re building together.

photo of Letterform Archive reading room under construction — The new Letterform Archive reading room under construction.

In July, we announced the surprising — but ultimately opportune — news that Letterform Archive needs a new home. We asked for your help, and you delivered. Over 300 donors from at least 15 countries supported our move campaign. With matching pledges from Emigre and an anonymous donor, we crossed the midway mark of our $200,000 goal.