To celebrate our talented and diverse membership, the TDC is profiling one member each month who is selected at random. We’re asking members the same five questions that will hopefully let us – and you – get to know them better. For April, Cherise Conrick, creative director of TypeSpace is the chosen one!
Tell us a little bit about yourself – what you do and where you work
I am creative director and founder of TypeSpace based in Adelaide, Australia. I formed TypeSpace in 2007 after working for various studios in the Adelaide design industry for seven years. We work predominantly in the field of packaging, identity and publication.
What is your favorite typeface? And why?
Whilst I believe that different typefaces suit different applications, Gotham by Tobias Frere-Jones is a beautiful typeface. It is classic, strong and timeless.
Where do you take your typographic/design inspiration from?
Inspiration comes in many forms–colours, textures and forms in the natural or urban environment. I am passionate about contemporary art, have an interest in product and building design, I read constantly and regularly participate in workshops and short courses in diverse areas. I also feel it is important to talk to people to see things from a different perspective.
TypeSpace’s Christmas mailer.
What is your all time favorite piece of design?
The poster designs of Saul Bass in particular ‘The man with the golden arm’, ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Anatomy of a murder’. They are my first memory as a teenager of coming into contact with design, appreciating it and being inspired by it.
Where do you see the future in typographic design and typeface design?
I feel there has been a shift where design, including type design, is appreciated by the broader community. More than ever before non-designers are expressing interest and often have an opinion on design. There seems to be an understanding that business needs to have greater emphasis on individuality and project their core personality. This includes emphasis on the selection and use of typography and implementation of custom typography. I feel there is a healthy indication of the importance of design and designers in business positioning and collaborative practice. Designers are being involved at an earlier stage of business rather than as an afterthought and have greater control in the vision.
What is your favorite aspect of being a TDC member? / What drew you to become a member of the TDC?
I enjoy being part of the broader community keeping informed of international typography design and designers. Also, the delivery of the TDC annual is always an exciting day at the office.
I remember seeing the TDC annual for the first time and being so inspired and impressed with the document and the high level of work it contained. I felt that I was not alone in my love of letterforms and their application.
Links:
Website: typespace.com.au
Instagram: @typespace
Twitter: @cheriseconrick