Roger Black, Rick Valicenti, Sharon Oiga, Guy Villa Jr., John Downer, Steve Matteson, Matthew Rechs, Douglas Thomas, Paul Shaw, and Susan Mango Curtis wrap up the conference.

Events

Scenes from Type Tales Chicago

Our second event brought together more than a dozen of the best designers and historians working in and on the Windy City. The result was a two-day mix of professional insight, practical how-to, and incredible story. Here is a look back at some of the event’s best moments.

John Downer lead a daylong workshop on sign painting, with an emphasis on recreating Chicago-specific styles.

John Downer lead a daylong workshop on sign painting, with an emphasis on recreating Chicago-specific styles.

Mathew Rechs’s workshop, “How to Business” taught attendees how to price their work, negotiate contracts, and get inside the client mindset.

Mathew Rechs’s workshop, “How to Business” taught attendees how to price their work, negotiate contracts, and get inside the client mindset.

Before the opening adress Thursday evening, we held a reception, with deep dish pizza, wine, and a popup shop by the Chicago Design Archive.

Before the opening adress Thursday evening, we held a reception, with deep dish pizza, wine, and a popup shop by the Chicago Design Archive.

Paul Shaw's opening address, “In and Out of the Loop” offered an overview of Chicago type through the ages, touching on Barnhart Brothers & Spindler, the Ludlow Typograph Company, and more.

Paul Shaw's opening address, “In and Out of the Loop” offered an overview of Chicago type through the ages, touching on Barnhart Brothers & Spindler, the Ludlow Typograph Company, and more.

Susan Mango Curtis introduced the main conference program on Friday, alongside TYPE editor Roger Black.

Friday started with Steve Matteson’s exploration of Frederic Goudy’s life in Chicago 100-years ago.

Friday started with Steve Matteson’s exploration of Frederic Goudy’s life in Chicago 100-years ago.

Doug Thomas shared the story of J.L. Frazier and his influential work with The Inland Printer.

Doug Thomas shared the story of J.L. Frazier and his influential work with The Inland Printer.

Nermin Moufti and Will Miller of Firebelly, a Chicago-based design firm, talked about building community through their Typeforce project and donating work to the Type Directors Club.

Nermin Moufti and Will Miller of Firebelly, a Chicago-based design firm, talked about building community through their Typeforce project and donating work to the Type Directors Club.

The source for much of Chicago’s contemporary design, Rick Valicenti explained the ideas and processes behind some of his major works.

The source for much of Chicago’s contemporary design, Rick Valicenti explained the ideas and processes behind some of his major works.

Sharon Oiga and Guy Villa, Jr. told the salacious story of the Society of Typographic Arts’s founding.

Sharon Oiga and Guy Villa, Jr. told the salacious story of the Society of Typographic Arts’s founding.

Jen Farrell of Starshaped Press shared how she got started in letterpress printing and what attracts customers and employees to Starshaped Press.

Jen Farrell of Starshaped Press shared how she got started in letterpress printing and what attracts customers and employees to Starshaped Press.

John Downer reviewed the many of the Chicago Poster Style showcard styles developed by H.C. Martin.

John Downer reviewed the many of the Chicago Poster Style showcard styles developed by H.C. Martin.

Patric King revealed the work in progress typeface “Big Shoulders,” which he is developing as an open source project for the city and citizens of Chicago.

Patric King revealed the work in progress typeface “Big Shoulders,” which he is developing as an open source project for the city and citizens of Chicago.

Roger Black, Rick Valicenti, Sharon Oiga, Guy Villa Jr., John Downer, and Steve Matteson answered audience questions with the other speakers (not pictured).

Thank you to all who came to Type Tales Chicago, the speakers, the hosts, Columbia College, Steve Shaiman, Google, and The Font Bureau.

It was a truly memorable event, and we look forward to putting together more like it in the future.