Intro to Modern Type Design by Letterform Archive

Intro to Modern Type Design is a live online workshop from Letterform Archive, taught by type designer Kel Troughton. It runs on Thursdays from 28 January to 1 April 2027, with ten three-hour sessions on Zoom from 5 to 8 pm Pacific time (8 to 11 pm Eastern). Over the ten weeks you create an original typeface of your own, learning the methods and software used for digital type along the way. The workshop is capped at 15 students and costs $1,190, with a 10% discount for anyone who signs up before 16 November 2026.

Letterform Archive is a museum and archive of letterforms in San Francisco, and it also runs the Type West postgraduate certificate. This workshop sits at the start of that path: the official page describes it as good preparation for Type West, so it suits people who want to test their interest in type design before committing to a longer programme.

What You Will Learn

The workshop takes one typeface from first sketches to a working digital font. Based on the official course page, the sessions cover:

• The conceptual foundations of designing a typeface
• Some history of type, and sketching letterforms by hand
• Methodologies and software for making digital type
• Designing letters and spacing them so they work together as text
• Proofing and testing your font as it develops
• Working in Glyphs, with a free temporary licence provided
• Uploading homework before each meeting and getting weekly feedback

Who Is Intro to Modern Type Design For?

The official page says the workshop suits designers who are just starting with type as well as those who already have some experience. Experience with Bézier curves and typography is recommended but not required, so a graphic designer who works with vector tools every day will find the drawing side familiar.

It is less suited to people who want a quick taster. Ten weekly sessions with homework before each one is a real commitment. Experienced type designers looking for advanced critique of a large family may find a postgraduate programme such as Type West a better match.

Schedule

The workshop runs for ten weeks in early 2027:

• Dates: Thursdays, 28 January to 1 April 2027
• Time: 5 to 8 pm PT (8 to 11 pm ET)
• Sessions: ten live sessions of three hours each, on Zoom
• Homework: uploaded before each meeting, with feedback every week
• Class size: up to 15 students

Because the sessions are set to US Pacific time, check what 5 pm PT means where you live. In Europe the class falls in the early hours of Friday morning, which makes it hard going for most people outside the Americas.

Price and Access

The workshop costs $1,190. If you sign up before 16 November 2026, you get a 10% discount. Letterform Archive also offers one BIPOC/Equity scholarship seat; you need to apply at least a week before the start date. With only 15 places, it is worth booking early. Check the official page for the current price and availability.

How to Register

Registration is through the Letterform Archive online shop, on the workshop's own page. If you are applying for the scholarship seat, follow the instructions on the official page and send your application at least one week before the first session.

About the Instructor

Kel Troughton is a freelance type designer and lettering artist who graduated from Type@Cooper West in 2018. They have worked at Monotype, co-teach in the Type West programme and run their own company, Overlap Type. Troughton also co-curated the "Subscription to Mischief" exhibition at Letterform Archive.

Things to Consider

• Computer: the official page asks for a Mac running macOS 10.11 or later.
• Software: you also need Illustrator and InDesign, or equivalents; the Glyphs licence is provided.
• Supplies: bold and chisel-tip markers, correction pens, a pencil, a ruler and marker paper for the sketching work.
• Time: plan for the three-hour class plus homework before every session.
• Time zone: the evening Pacific slot is easiest for students in the Americas.
• Next step: if you enjoy the workshop, Type West is the longer programme it prepares you for.

How to Get the Most From It

Gather your supplies and install Glyphs before the first session so you can start sketching straight away. Coming to the workshop with a rough idea of the kind of typeface you want to make, for example a text face or a display face, helps you use the weekly feedback well.

Register for the Workshop

Interested in learning with Letterform Archive?

Register for Intro to Modern Type Design

For the full syllabus and pricing, visit the official Letterform Archive website.

Looking for more ways to learn? Browse all courses and learning resources on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 12, 2026