Here is an artist who combines typography with beautiful illustration techniques very well indeed. Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Darren Booth has taken the time to answer a couple of questions on his hand lettering process.

What I like about Darren’s work is its use of bespoke type to create very pleasing compositions. Text is no longer the support leg to an illustration; it is the centerpiece.

What got you into your typography work?

I first got into doing typography while studying Illustration in college (Sheridan Institute, just outside of Toronto, Canada).

A few of my professors used typography in some of their illustration work and I got inspired to give it a shot and found out that I had a knack for it.

What tools do you use to create your lettering work?

Most of the time, my finished art is collage and acrylic on treated paper. I do occasionally create the finished art in vector graphics if a client requires it.

Can you describe the process behind your typography, including gathering ideas?

When I’m developing a lettering style for an assignment, it needs to have the correct feel. I have folders and sketchbooks that are crammed full of thousands of lettering styles that I’ve collected over the years, or sketched.

I dig through them and start sketching the words or phrases that I’m working on at that moment and then further develop the sketches that feel the best. I often use a mind-map approach to develop ideas as well.

Basically, you start with a keyword and then jot down any words/ideas that come to mind when thinking of that keyword. Those words/ideas then spawn more words/ideas. It’s a great way to generate ideas from scratch.

© Darren Booth, 2009

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on some lettering for a Dutch magazine and a book cover. Nothing overly exciting at the moment, but it pays the bills!

Very inspiring, Darren, many thanks!

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