Seeing your typeface in the wild for the first time is one of the most significant achievements for a typeface designer. However, making a typeface is labor-intensive and can sometimes feel like the process will never end. Like many, you will go through stages of being very motivated and productive, only to hit a snag where you’re not sure how or what to do next. Rather than giving up, let me help you break down the process into manageable stages and be your second set of eyes so you can finish that typeface efficiently.
I’ve helped over 450 graphic designers make a typeface, email me to find out how I can help you finish that typeface!
At times, studying typeface design can get overwhelming; there are a lot of concepts and technical information to consume in a short amount of time. For others, the pace can be too slow, and their hunger to know more can get frustrating. I often coach students who are still studying or have graduated and wish to finish their student project or start a new one.
The job of a professional typeface designer can be isolating sometimes. It's work that requires a lot of concentration, and often, that intense focus can lead to a point where you get too close to your work, making it hard to see what needs attention. I coach professional typeface designers weekly to help organize their work into manageable tasks and provide that second set of eyes.
Often, foundries will represent and release the work of other typeface designers. The concept is presented and accepted in most situations before the project is complete. I work with foundries who need support for their designers to complete their projects to a suitable stage for release.
Since the boom of typeface design courses worldwide, many graphic designers have gained a good understanding of how type works and would like to be able to develop custom type in-house. I work with graphic designers on custom-type projects, offering feedback on letterform construction, proportion, spacing, and ways to effectively manage a custom typeface workflow.
As a coach, projects are treated confidentially. I do not ask for part ownership of the project or for a mention, although mentions are lovely when they happen.
• An assessment of the project
• Accountability to meet deadlines
• How to develop a structured process
• Templated InDesign proofing documents
• How to proof a specific character set
• 20-minute one-on-one reviews over Zoom
• Contact via Slack or email
Email me to find out more.
Troy's weekly coaching classes gave me the tools to feel more confident when it comes to building out my typefaces and held me accountable for making progress on them. Chris Caldwell - Type Designer, New York, NY
Typemasters is about how Troy teaches, motivates and is supportive, how he deconstructs misconceptions, and also about his precision and attention to detail. Cristina Lopes - Designer & Futurist, Portugal
Working with Troy has opened doors to my understanding type on a more profound level, even after my teaching typography classes for a few decades. Laura Chessin - Associate Professor of Graphic Design VCUarts, Richmond, VA
It’s really helpful to have a second set of trained eyes at a high professional level like Troy to help look at the design. TienMin Liao - Typeface Designer, New York, NY
Troy’s comprehensive critiques forced me to zero in on details I had overlooked and were essential in refining my designs—ultimately raising them to a higher level. Kevin Foley - Art Director/Graphic Designer, Takasaki, Japan
Feedback in type design is especially critical. And feedback from someone with Troy’s level of expertise comes with insights and an eye for detail that have significantly expanded my understanding of type and type design. Dave Wilson - Graphic Designer & Copywriter, Morristown, NJ
Read extended versions of the reviews here.
