Even before I knew what graphic design meant, I was captivated by the shapes of letters and their expressiveness. Instinctively I was drawn to their power to transmit energy, message and personality. By learning about them and better understanding their history and the context in whichthe forms of letter characters have participated in human history, we have rediscovered this fascinating field.
It is a universe with many rules, imperceptible details and a lot of theory to delve into, but at the same time one that allows unlimited creativity. What makes a letter identifiable as such? How much can this universal consensus be explored, and what are the limits at which forms lose their meaning? Is there still innovation among these restrictions? These questions inspire me and encourage me to explore their answers.
What is the #36DaysOfType challenge?
7 years ago, Nina Sans and Rafa Goicoechea, both graphic designers from Barcelona, who decided to challenge each other to invent something new daily, experimenting with techniques, methods and styles in the creation of letters.
This is how their idea was born: 36 consecutive days of exploring typography and creativity, involving designers, illustrators, type lovers and creatives from around the globe in a unique challenge using the social network Instagram. The rules are simple: every day of the 36 is dedicated to one letter of the alphabet, and participants must contribute their own creation. Ideally, each letter should be worked on in the day for the sake.
The project gained momentum, and in 2020 the 7th edition was held, which collected millions of daily posts. The Challenge brings together more and more participants every year, and their community is constantly growing.
Why did I participate?
Although I had a passion for letters, I felt that my personal style did not define it for me, and opportunities to explore these graphic expressions did not have much place in the daily schedule. Watching the first two editions, I was very inspired by what I saw and wondered if I could support such an effort. At the 3rd edition, in 2016, I decided that I needed this challenge to force my personal discipline and stop postponing the experiments I had in mind.
What have I learned?
There is no such thing as not having time
This excuse that many hide behind is a limit imposed by me, which depends only on the priorities I set for myself. Knowing that at the end of each day I have to have a post that represents something, it's up to me to make that possible.
It's harder than we expected. The 36 days are enough to feel tired or unmotivated and grab some weekends. Often this challenge caught me through vacations, or on extremely busy days. But I managed to finish the letters even at the airport, at a beer on the terrace or between 2 tasks at work.
You just have to grab
Since I am ambitious and quite competitive, I know that if I get into the dugout, I have to play. With the first post, there is no turning back. To abandon such a project is a greater and more painful failure than the effort to carry it out.
There are no criticisms
The only critic is me. I know there's a black cutie on my shoulder telling me that the letter I'm working on is weak, the curves are tight, the colors don't match. She knows she's seen this style before, it's too close to the one just posted and doesn't match the rest of the letters... millions of reasons to urge me to give up, especially when I hit a little creative dead end.
I have learned that in this community people encourage and appreciate every effort, every attempt.
In the 5 editions I attended I received no negative feedback and each message of support gave me confidence and strength to continue.
There is no better cure for the insufferable cutie than a benevolent comment or the like received from a designer I love. After all, this is not a competition, but a visual experiment.
It's okay to inspire
There is nothing new under the sun. It is normal that from 36 days some are uninspired, to feel that they cannot produce anything original. I spent many hours scared that I had no ideas, looking at references and valued posts until I mobilized to grab onto something. Over time I accepted this inner panic as something normal and somehow managed to free myself from it.
Visual culture acquired over time became a kind of interior master and helped me adapt ideas that I liked to others, combine them and express them in my own style. Unmistakably, it resulted in something that is personal that defines my unique way of seeing the given theme.
Better done than perfect
I like to be a perfectionist with the shapes created, and that can have two edges. I wasted many hours trying to harmonize a curve, although probably no one would have noticed that little detail. Exposing my work to such an audience is great pressure, constructive to a point. I noticed that no matter how I finished a letter, in 2-3 weeks I would still see room for improvement.
I do not think there is the previously created letter to which I would not refine something if I had the opportunity. Instead of missing the deadline, I better post as it is. The important thing is to realize what I could do better next time.
What have we gained?
Confidence in your own forces
After 5 editions I have participated in, I know that I can carry out bigger challenges. It is up to me to channel energy and enthusiasm towards the completion of the proposed target.
Portfolio and Exposure
I collected 5 complete alphabets that characterize me. Each year we chose different approaches, explored other styles and working techniques. Moving through calligraphy, graffiti, illustration and up to type design, we have collected works that can find their place in my personal portfolio and that have been exhibited to a community interested in this field.
In social media I managed to establish connections with special people, personally met foreign designers with whom I connected friends and with whom I discussed the challenge we have in common. A reason for pride is also the fact that some letters created by me were promoted by the initiators of the project themselves, and some were even published in a book.
Inspiration
I discovered a lot of incredible artists. Some draw, others photograph, some make incredibly elaborate 3D animations, while others stylize 2-line letters. Following them, I develop my visual culture and inspire myself for the next editions but I also develop a lot as a designer.
In Brandfusion projects, the experience and skills gathered at 36daysoftype are reflected in attention to detail and more productive working techniques.
I encourage all creative minds to explore this universe and participate with their personal approach to this annual challenge. The feeling of success at the end is always worth the arduous road.
View my recordings: https://www.instagram.com/stefan.ferencz/
See the challenge: https://www.instagram.com/36daysoftype/
