The ABCs of Typography book

A is for Ascender, B is for Bowl, C is for Cap height ... Want to learn some more?

This 6" x 6" delightful volume, published by The Harvest Commission, takes us through a abecedary of typography. Kids and adults alike are sure to learn something new and grow their appreciation for the art of letterforms and the arrangement of type. Based on the popular abecedary originally published in Issue 35 of UPPERCASE Magazine (Fall 2017), and the subsequent abecedary print.

Available in my shop, as well as Amazon.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/650936054/the-abcs-of-typography-book

ABC250 turns one

This week marks the one year anniversary of the release of my first monograph, ABC250. With the help of Chloe Develle, I compiled 250 alphabets into this book, published by Coach House Books, and launched at Black Cat Artspace. Looking for lettering inspiration? Pick one up in my shop or at:

https://christopherrouleau.patternbyetsy.com/listing/554153687/abc250-monograph

ABC250: Update

Major news: my first book, ABC250, has been fully funded! Because of amazing supporters like you, I've raised $2500+, and have officially given Coach House Books the green light to printed the first edition of 100 copies, which will be signed and shipped by yours truly. I'm humbled by your generosity - it means so much to put a project out in the world and receive this kind of support. Thanks for making this dream come true.

ABC250: book launch + exhibit

After the success of last year's Alphabet-a-Day project, hand-lettering one complete alphabet each weekday, I'm thrilled to announce one of the most exciting projects of my career so far. All 250 alphabets are now available - for reference or pleasure - in my first monograph, ABC250.

This 258-page, 8"x8" limited edition soft cover book is being printed in Toronto at the esteemed Coach House Books.

The projected cost of a limited edition run of 100 books is approximately $2300. In order meet this goal, I'm graciously looking for a minimum of 47 backers to pre-order the book at the retail cost of $49.

In return for your generosity, I have several ways to give back. Here are the options for donations:

1) $49
Signed and editioned copy

2) $99
Signed and editioned copy
8x8 print
Free shipping

3) $149 or more
Signed and editioned copy
8x8 print
+print of your choice from my current collection
Free shipping

Support the project here:
https://www.gofundme.com/abc-250-chris-rouleaus-first-book



The book will be available for preview at the ABC250 exhibit:

June 15-21, 2017
Reception: Thursday, June 15, 7-10pm
Black Cat Artspace
2186 Dundas St. W.

The upcoming exhibit will give an intimate look at my process, showcasing all 250 original sketches, five new limited edition alphabet prints, as well as a preview of the ABC250 monograph.


More details at:
http://abc250.christopherrouleau.com 

Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/808404525973825/

Issue 31

I'm thrilled to unveil not one but TWO exciting new projects. I had the pleasure I writing two stories in Issue 31 of UPPERCASE Magazine, which both centred around the concept dear to my heart: design for the performing arts.

The first was an interview with Dublin-based film graphic designer, Annie Atkins, who is most renowned for her meticulous design work on Wes Anderson's film, Grand Budapest Hotel.

My other story focussed on the talents of Michael Gianfrancesco, who designs sets and costumes for the theatre at stages across North America. He is one of Canada's most sought-after designers, and has worked at The Stratford Festival for 13 seasons.

Many thanks to Annie & Michael for generously donating their time, and to Janine for these great opportunities to showcase talent of this calibre.

Check out my previous UPPERCASE contributions here.

Coralie Bickford-Smith

Last November, I had the pleasure of interviewing book designer Coralie Bickford-Smith at the RGD Design Thinkers conference in Toronto. Ms. Bickford-Smith was a pleasure to chat with, and had lots of great things to say about design, problem solving, and the changes in the publishing industry.

You can read the full interview in issue 29 of Uppercase Magazine. Thank you to Ms. Bickford-Smith for her time and to Janine for this great opportunity.

p.s. Janine was kind enough to list me as a Featured Contributor in the current issue. Thanks, Janine!

Presenting Macbeth

I'm pleased to announce that my 2011 poster of Macbeth for Shakespeare Toronto / Classical Theatre Project has been published in the new Mirko Ilić / Steven Heller book Presenting Shakespeare: 1,100 Posters from Around the World, published by Princeton Architectural Press. This exciting publication includes around 1,100 curated Shakespeare posters from 56 countries around the world.

Pick up your copy here.

Lettering treasures from Paris

The antique typography ephemera was incredible in Paris - and in abundance. It was hard to decide which souvenirs to bring home (without breaking the bank). These are two charming antique lettering guides I purchased at a beautiful calligraphy store called Melodies Graphiques (10 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe).

"Good luck, be perseverant: you will be rewarded."

Paris 2013 – Antiques

More here.

Smarty cat

Type rules

"Nineteenth Century Job Printing Display - The Poster", circa 1989 (adapted from "The Letter-Preess Printer: A Complete Guide to the Art of Printing; Containing Practical Instructions for Learners at Case, Press and Machine", circa 1881)
(via Imprint - thanks Tanya!)

Wrecked... in print!

Here are a few supplementary shots of my copy of Wrecked Upon This Shore.
Absolutely thrilled!

Wrecked Upon This Shore

Please join me in congratulating my dear friend Kate Story on her second novel, Wrecked Upon This Shore. I am thrilled to say that this is my first non-fiction book cover design (!), and honoured that Kate asked me to do it.

If you happen to be in Peterborough, the official Ontario launch party is tonight:
Titles Book Store 
379 George St. North
Free admission
7:30 p.m.

You can purchase the novel through the publisher, at your local bookstore as well as Chapters/Indigo.

Thanks Kate, and congratulations!

p.s. More photos to come after I pick up my copy tonight.

Weekend book find

Found this lovely typographic artefact by James Craig this past weekend in Ottawa.
(You had me at Helvetica.)

Applied Art, 1929

I found this delightful antique applied arts coursebook for $6, filled with beautiful diagrams, illustrations, and these superb lettering specimens.