How was TypeParis for you?
Who is better to talk about it than our alumni? So we asked them some questions. We published the results of our discussion with two TypeParis23 attendees, Clément Cases and Dustin Mattaio Mara to share their stories with you!
You want to apply but are not sure yet? You are wondering what conditions must be met, beyond the official description proposed on the Summer page? You can conclude that the attendees final typefaces designed at the end of the six weeks, are of such a high level that it seems impossible to achieve in such a short period of time? In fact not. The reality is quite different: the participants come from a variety of backgrounds, with or without experience in typeface design. So, whatever your level, you will learn a lot.
TypeParis Summer course!
124 students from 39 different countries have already attended to TypeParis, and it could be your turn. This year TypeParis25 marks the 10-year anniversary of the type design programme launched in 2015. Feel free to contact our alumni directly via their People page, to ask about some specific details about their 6 weeks in Paris.
Why you decided to apply to TypeParis?
Clément Cases I first heard about TypeParis through Marc Rouault, a type designer whose work I really admire. I was excited to find out that he’s also a teacher in the program. I was already working on type design every day, but I was teaching myself: reading books, watching tutorials, and learning as an autodidact. I reached a point where I felt I needed more human interaction, real feedback, and a supportive environment to gain confidence and grow as a type designer. That’s when I knew TypeParis was exactly what I needed.
Dustin Mattaio Mara I had taken an introductory class in type design at university, and over the rest of my time there, I explored making typefaces. I knew I had an interest in type design and wanted to pursue further education in it. The professor who taught the intro class had recommended this program, she had hosted Jean François for a workshop in the past! TypeParis seemed to be an extended more detailed version of the class I took. I was all for it, especially since it was taught by established type designers too. The length of the program and the teachers influenced my final decision to apply. It also helped that it was in Paris — who wouldn’t want to spend a few weeks in their favorite foreign city!?
“The six-week intensive format felt like the perfect fit for me because I was working full-time at the time, and a shorter course like this was much easier to manage than taking a long break. That’s why I decided to apply.”
– Clément Cases
Building the right portfolio?
Dustin Mattaio Mara I found it a lot more difficult than I expected. I had a few typeface, lettering, and print projects to select from, which was helpful. I do think that my background and explorations were part of what helped my application, so I leaned into the written part as well. The hardest part was trying to choose the “right” projects and then assemble them into a concise portfolio. I would recommend setting aside a good amount of time to pull this all together, it will help in the end.
Clément Cases Builing the right portfolio was definitely a challenge. At the time, I was already running a small foundry, so I had a lot of work to showcase — full typefaces, custom logotypes, lettering projects, and research. But most of my work was very experimental and hadn’t been validated by a “proper type designer,” so I wasn’t sure if my portfolio would meet the standards of the course. When I found out I was accepted, I was both surprised and incredibly happy! It was such an amazing feeling to know that my work and potential had been recognised.
Portfolio: “I had sent my finished copy ahead of time to see if I did it correctly, and they let me know I was on the right track!”
– Dustin Mattaio Mara
What do you have learned?
Clément Cases That’s a tough question... Those six weeks were the most intense of my life, and also the six weeks where I learned and grew the most. The full experience was absolutely incredible, and I always recommend this program to anyone who asks me how to get started in type design. For me, it wasn’t just about learning type design — it was about the whole experience. Imagine this: you’re in the most beautiful city in the world, surrounded by history, stunning architecture, amazing food, wine, and vibrant venues. Then you’re joined by twelve other alumni from around the world, each with different backgrounds but the same hunger to learn, deeply involved, passionate, and incredibly kind to one another. On top of that, you’re immersed in an intense program that’s structured to push you forward. You visit some of the most fascinating libraries in Paris, gain access to rare collections, and even get private tours of historic type archives. You take a trip to Lyon to dive even deeper into the history of type design. Throughout the program, you’re guided by some of the most talented and inspiring type designers as teachers, and every week, a guest type designer from somewhere around the world joins to give you feedback on your project. And then there are the moments outside the classroom — like hanging out at Typo Bistro, sharing ideas, stories, and laughs with these incredible people. The connections you build with your peers and mentors during these six weeks are just as valuable as the knowledge itself.
Dustin Mattaio Mara I learned so much! I’d say I had done a bit more type design work than some of my peers, which helped, but it didn’t mean I was ahead or didn’t have anything to learn. With such a small cohort and many instructors, there was room for everyone to learn and experiment at their own pace, no matter their level or experience with type design. I found that I got exactly what I wanted out of the program by just asking questions, especially at the end when most of class time was individual critique and work sessions.
There was also much learning outside of the classroom and type, too! Sometimes we would escape the classroom and visit local museums, so we learned a bit about Paris and its history with type as well! And since we were out of the classroom we would often continue to just hang out afterwards… which became a weekly occurrence. Because the cohort was so international and we were in a foreign city, we all bonded really quick and got to learn about each other’s lives and cultures back home. Time spent together outside of the classroom was as valuable as time spent in it!
“It’s almost impossible to fully describe how impactful the experience was. It was intense, yes, but in the best way possible. If you’re passionate about type design, I can’t recommend it enough.”
– Clément Cases
Tell us about the Now conference and Guest critics?
Dustin Mattaio Mara I appreciated the Now conference as a way to shift my mindset into type design and as an icebreaker to meet the instructors and my cohort. The topics at Now conference weren’t limited to just type design; they varied from branding to print to digital and everything in between. Just as with my cohort, I learned so much about how people approach design from around the world. The guest speakers were a pleasant addition to the program. The network of type designers that the program has access to is so wide!
Clément Cases The Now conference was one of the most fascinating conferences I’ve ever attended. Living in London, I’ve had the chance to go to many type-related events, but this one really stood out. The selection of speakers was so clever and versatile — it included studios, independent type designers, and even some historical insights about trends in typography. Each talk brought something unique to the table, making the experience both inspiring and thought-provoking. As for the type critics, they were like the cherry on top of the cake. Every week, we had one day dedicated to a guest type designer from somewhere around the world. They would come in, spend the day with us, and give feedback on our type projects. What made this experience so valuable was the diversity of perspectives they brought. Each designer had their own vision and approach, and it was fascinating to see that there isn’t just one “right way” to do things in type design. Instead, there are multiple paths you can take, depending on what you want to achieve. The careful curation of these guest critics mirrored the quality of the conference itself — they represented a wide range of expertise, styles, and philosophies. Seeing this versatility firsthand really expanded my understanding of the possibilities within type design and strengthened my appreciation for the craft. Overall, the combination of the Now23 conference and the weekly type critics made the program even more enriching. It wasn’t just about learning techniques — it was about seeing the broader landscape of typography and how it fits into the spheres of design.
“It was extremely helpful to get feedback from more than just our instructors. Type can be so subjective, so it was nice to hear varying opinions on my project — the varied (and sometimes conflicting) perspectives only made my final typeface even better!”
– Dustin Mattaio Mara
What are you doing now?
Clément Cases After TypeParis, I returned to my daily life, continuing to run the foundry where I was working before the program. To be honest, the first few months after the program were tough — it felt like a little post-TypeParis depression. The experience had been so intense and life-changing that adjusting back to normal life was hard, and I wasn’t the only one feeling that way. Many of the other alumni shared similar feelings. About a year after TypeParis, I made a big decision to quit my full-time job at the foundry and focus entirely on my personal practice as a freelance type and graphic designer. Since then, I’ve launched some fonts, including finalising Barbican, which I started during TypeParis, and releasing Santiag in collaboration with Blaze Type. Right now, I’m working on various exciting type projects — like a custom typeface for a winery in Portugal, custom typeface in collaboration with Coinbase, lettering design for SNCF advertising campaigns, type researches, among others. These projects keep me creatively fulfilled and challenged, and I’m so grateful for where TypeParis has brought me. Even now, I’m still as hungry as ever to keep learning and improving every day. I also stay in touch with the rest of the alumni — they’ve become an incredible support network and a big part of this journey.
Dustin Mattaio Mara I’m currently working as a visual designer! I do plenty of type design and lettering through my job, freelance work, and passion projects. I feel much more confident now in my ability to create custom type and lettering. I do need to be better at doing my type work since it is one of the things I’m passionate about — I would love to one day publish my own font, and I do feel I have a few projects that are near there!
In a cliché way, I’d say the program truly changed how I view the world. I now have designer friends all over the globe. If I ever feel stuck in my own local design bubble, I can reach out to them. Many of us have remained a tight-knit group! I recently visited Paris and London just to catch up with over half of our cohort!
“TypeParis was a major turning point in my life. It reignited my passion for type design and gave me the confidence to pursue it more seriously.”
– Clément Cases
Your advice?
Dustin Mattaio Mara Just go for it! If you’re questioning whether you have the right portfolio, or the right time, or are just wary about it all — I’d say just go for it. I, too, was unsure about the timing and was in a strange position before accepting the spot. But from the moment I stepped foot in Paris I knew I had made the right decision. When you are in Paris, get to know your cohort as quickly and as much as possible. My experience over those few weeks wouldn’t have been as amazing without all my new friends. Also don’t get so lost in the letters that you forget to spend time exploring Paris! Again, just go for it and embrace life to the fullest while you’re there! I can’t imagine my life now without having done TypeParis!
Clément Cases My best advice? Simply enjoy! Immerse yourself fully in the experience — learn as much as you can during those six weeks, not just from the teachers and type critics but also from your fellow alumni. The program is intense, but it’s perfectly balanced to let you deeply engage with the city while soaking in as much knowledge as possible. One little tip: buy a bike on LeBoncoin at the start of the course and resell it when you’re done. Paris is absolutely magical in the summer, and cycling around the city is the best way to experience its beauty, history, and charm.
