Learn Type
Design
How This Course Works
This course is process-driven. Each lesson builds on the previous one, and progress comes from repetition, not speed. You’ll move between sketching, observation, and digital refinement, learning when to act and when to pause. There are no shortcuts here—only systems, decisions, and consequences.You are encouraged to keep all versions of your work. Early sketches and rough drafts are not mistakes; they are reference points that help you understand how your thinking evolves.
What This Course Is Not
This course is not about copying existing fonts.
It is not about mastering software quickly.
It is not about polishing every letter until it looks “correct.”
Instead, it is about developing judgment—learning how to recognize structure, imbalance, rhythm, and voice in your own work.
It is not about mastering software quickly.
It is not about polishing every letter until it looks “correct.”
Instead, it is about developing judgment—learning how to recognize structure, imbalance, rhythm, and voice in your own work.
What You’ll Learn
Type anatomy, contrast, balance, spacing
Drawing and constructing letterforms by hand
Control characters and alphabet systems
Professional type design software fundamentals
Optical adjustments beyond measurement
Critique and iteration as a designer
From concept to usable typeface
Drawing and constructing letterforms by hand
Control characters and alphabet systems
Professional type design software fundamentals
Optical adjustments beyond measurement
Critique and iteration as a designer
From concept to usable typeface
What you need to make a typeface?
Paper (printer paper or a sketchbook)
Pencil or pen
Eraser (optional, refinment)
Ruler (optional, for guides)
Computer for digitizing type
Type design software (Glyphs, FontLab, or FontForge)
Pencil or pen
Eraser (optional, refinment)
Ruler (optional, for guides)
Computer for digitizing type
Type design software (Glyphs, FontLab, or FontForge)
When You Feel Stuck
Return to your control letters.
Test in text, not in isolation.
Redraw rather than refine.
Diagnose before adjusting.
Type design is a continual practice. Stay with the process.
Test in text, not in isolation.
Redraw rather than refine.
Diagnose before adjusting.
Type design is a continual practice. Stay with the process.
Font Architecture: Designed as a Complete Guide to Mastering Type Design.
This course is process-driven. Each lesson builds on the previous one, and progress comes from repetition, not speed.
4 In-Depth Modules, 12 Comprehensive Lessons, 40+ Reference Files.
Module 4 This lesson focuses on spacing, kerning, and preparing your typeface for publishing. You’ll refine rhythm and readability, test your font in real text, and strengthen consistency across the system.
Module 4 This lesson focuses on spacing, kerning, and preparing your typeface for publishing. You’ll refine rhythm and readability, test your font in real text, and strengthen consistency across the system.
Module 3 This lesson focuses on building a complete typeface—bringing your initial concept into a cohesive system ready for real-world use. Critique and iterate on your own work with clarity,
Module 2 This lesson covers drawing letterforms—how to sketch ideas by hand, refine them through iteration, and translate those decisions into digital form without losing their original intent.
Module 1 This lesson introduces the foundations of type design. Anatomy, contrast, balance, and spacing. Providing the core principles needed to understand how letterforms function individually and as a cohesive system.
After six years of operating our type foundry, Boulevard Lab, we’re breaking down our studio practice through an in-depth approach to type design. This course walks through the full process; sketching letterforms, refining structure, and digitizing with professional tools. You’ll learn optical adjustments, alignment, and weight balance, then apply them to build a complete, functional typeface. Through structured self-critique, you’ll develop an expert eye and design with clarity, precision, and purpose, regardless of experience.
Font Architecture:
Designing Letterforms
Type Design Course
At a glance:
4 In-Depth Modules
12 Comprehensive Lessons
40+ Reference Files
