Why TYPEONE magazine is a must-read for graphic designers

Oh, what a time to be a designer. While the 2020s has certainly been a tumultuous decade, world events have accelerated existing business, technological and cultural trends in a way that's brought design skills into high demand as brands across the globe scramble to adapt, evolve and survive.

Designers everywhere can thrive in this new-new normal – as long as they stay relevant. But it can be tricky to keep up with the latest trends and stay on top of everything that's happening. Type is one of those areas where it's especially vital to stay ahead of the curve, as it's now changing at a breakneck pace, thanks to the explosion of type design tools.

It's natural to turn to the web to keep you up-to-date. And there are many blogs and online magazines, including Creative Boom, that can help. But we're the first to admit that will only get you so far.

The joys of the physical

Why? Firstly, despite this being a digital age, type is still largely a physical medium. From books and newspapers to posters, billboards and signage, typographical designs need to work as much in the analogue world on screens. And that means studying how type works in a physical environment.

TYPEONE Magazine, a brilliant magazine covering all things type, ticks that box, of course; but that's not all. It also saves you from scouring the web for type-related news, stories, concepts and new work – and still missing out on half of it in the process. Instead, all the new trends and developments you need to know about are expertly curated and presented in one easy-to-access magazine.

What's special about TYPEONE

TYPEONE stands out amongst typography publications because rather than just focus narrowly on technical issues, it instead uses type as a gateway to open up fascinating conversations about business, social issues, culture and design.

Ultimately, typography doesn't exist in a vacuum but is just one element in a dynamic and ever-evolving design landscape. Because it recognises that fact and leans into it, TYPEONE isn't just a must-read for font foundries and type designers but graphic designers of all stripes. Exploring tech, innovation, design and culture across the globe, it's a critical lens on the intersections of global and industry affairs within the context of type and design.

Each issue is designed by Studio Ground Floor and beautifully printed by Pressison Creative Print & Finishers, on paper stock (as of issue 05) from G.F Smith and foil finisher Foilco. And each contains world-class features written by leading designers and industry experts that will help you grow your skillset, progress your career and inspire your side projects.

In other words, by reading TYPEONE, you'll get grounded tips, advice and insights that will directly help you in your work. Plus, by getting a contemporary perspective on the graphic design and typography industry, you'll keep up with current thinking, ideas and concepts, helping you to impress others with your knowledge and understanding, whether they be clients, collaborators or colleagues.

A bi-annual magazine, TYPEONE has published six fantastic issues to date. Here's a brief insight into what each one contains.

Issue 01

TYPEONE's debut issue centres around font design, exploring how type and design as a whole have played their part in communicating messages, amplifying voices and aiming to change the world we live in. It also offers a glimpse into the future of design through exploring, amongst others, the creative work of Generation Z.

Issue 02

This issue centres on kinetic type and motion design. Industry experts explore the methods, logic, and the creatives behind this exciting niche. You'll hear about Kiel Mutschelknaus' innovative method of creating kinetic type with code; Animography's hybrid approach to animated typefaces, in the words of its founder Jeroen Krielaars; and join Aasawari Kulkarni to discuss the potential of variable fonts in the changing landscape of kinetic type for multi-scripts. In keeping with the theme of motion, the issue comes with a special lenticular cover created by Giang Nguyen.

Issue 03

This issue explores the worlds of murals and graffiti – all focusing on type. Inside, you'll find interviews with Adam Fujita, who reveals why it's essential to respect the culture and lineage of graffiti; Brandy Swope, who offers her guide to getting hired as a mural artist; and Deimos, who gives his expertise on handling quotes, legal procedures, clients and getting paid. Designed by Marko, the cover comes in a very special fold-out format, featuring the designer's iconic combination of traditional type with expressive graffiti shapes.

Issue 04

This issue celebrates women's contributions in the Type Space, exploring the lack of diversity and accessibility in the industry and utilising the magazine as a space to champion and celebrate women and non-binary designers. Three striking typefaces from contemporary women type designers are used throughout the issue, and there are four covers to choose from by four women, each with their own distinct practice and voice.

Issue 05

Guest-edited by The Brand Identity, this issue explores the topic of branding and typography. Topics covered include how the branding of the future might promote cryptocurrency, cannabis, psilocybin, and NFTs; an exploration of the use of languages and scripts unfamiliar to the Western world; the views of type designers on what it actually takes to launch a typeface commercially; and a discussion among design studios on the price of branding yourself.

Issue 06

TYPEONE's latest edition couldn't be more relevant to graphic designers working in 2023. This special themed issue delves into the world of experimental type, its cultural influence on the design industry, and the new type tools being used to create it. It includes features on the influence of AI, how experimental type meets streetwear culture, and how to design custom type, along with interviews including Bareis + Nicolaus and TWOMUCH.

There's so much to discover about type and its influence on the design world in TYPEONE magazine, so don't miss out. You can find more information and buy copies here. And you can also check out its current list of partners, including Production Type, Dinamo, CoType Foundry, Superior Type, Range Left, The Brand Identity, Blaze Type, Zetafonts and many more.