Print’s 2015 Typography and Lettering Awards isn’t just a competition for classic type designers: We’re looking for projects that feature great uses of type by any designer. We’re looking for handlettered work. And, of course, we’re also looking for original typefaces built from the ground up. Deadline: Tomorrow!
Are you taking part in
Bystander Revolution’s #MonthOfAction? If so, you’ve seen Designer of the Week Jenna Bresnahan’s hand-lettering & microsite design in action. Read on to find out what Bresnahan tries to incorporate into every project, what kind of art inspires her most, and what every designer should spend time figuring out.
Name: Jenna Bresnahan
Location: New York, NY
Design school attended: SUNY Fredonia
How would you describe your work?All my of designs start with a sketch, so most of them involve some hand-drawn elements. I always try to work in some hand-lettering as well.
Where do you find inspiration?I’m really inspired by old signs or advertisements that are still visible on the side of buildings. Recently I have been more inspired by street art. I also spend a lot of time visiting galleries with all different types of art forms. I think it’s important to gain inspiration outside of whatever form of art you identify with as an artist.
Who are some of your favorite designers or artists?Jessica Walsh, Erik Spiekermann, and Michael Bierut.
Do you have a favorite among all the projects you’ve worked on?Each project is different from the next, so It’s hard to say what my favorite project is. However, I was hired to create some motivational posters, which I had a lot of fun creating.
Is there a project that stands out to you as having been the biggest challenge of your career so far?I wouldn’t necessarily call it challenging, but most of my web design projects stand out as being the most demanding. Designing a website forces me to problem-solve in different ways than a logo or print project would.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?I would like to create my own line of products for people to be able to buy through my website. I would like to get back into oil painting and hopefully be able to incorporate more fine art into my designs. Also, I want to get a few mural projects in the works.
What’s your best advice for designers today?Practice, practice, practice, and don’t quit. Also, if you see a piece of art that you feel is working (or is not working), I think it’s important to spend time figuring out why. Sometimes the smallest tweak is the difference between a design that works and a design that falls short.
Anthology stationery
Racing Rhino logo design
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