This event is a “must-see” for anyone interested in letters and their design. As founder of Typofonderie, an independent digital type foundry in France, and as the director of ZeCraft, a design studio specializing in custom typeface projects, Jean François Porchez has designed bespoke fonts for a vast array of global brands–Le Monde, the Paris Metro, Louis Vuitton, Galleries Lafayette, Sephora, YSL Beauté and Nespresso, to name but a few.

Jean François is widely regarded as the embodiment of type in France. He was made a Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2015, and a monograph of his work was published by Perrousseaux in 2014. He is the Honorary President of ATypI (Association Typographique Internationale, the leading organization for type designers) and served as ATypI President from 2004-2007. He is the recipient of numerous type design awards, including the 1998 Charles Peignot Award.

In this talk, Jean François will discuss why typography is a vital asset of business communication. In his view, a visual identity is built from the colors and typefaces that make up the most fundamental expression of the brand. However, the design of typefaces must often remain invisible for the convenience of the reader. The challenge is then reconciling this contradiction between a typeface designer and the needs of a client.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Many thanks to our sponsors:
Simpson Center for the Humanities @ UW
Dept. of French & Italian Studies @ UW
TDC-San Francisco
AIGA Seattle and AIGA San Francisco
Claudia de Almedia / o Banquinho