In Progress

Jessica Hische

In Progress

Filmed on October 19, 2016 at the 2016 AIGA Design Conference

In recent years, more and more aspiring creatives have sought to pursue their passions for typography. The artistic disciplines of lettering and type design require an eye for detail, a love of tedium, and a lot of time alone in the studio. These disciplines can also seem impossible to dive into without the proper mentorship or access to a library of typographic resources. When starting out in any new field, the key is to develop a consistent process with which to approach projects. A disciplined approach to process helps with time management, client relationships, and alleviates even the worst cases of “blank canvas syndrome.” In her talk, Jessica Hische will share her path to developing her lettering process, demonstrate how to “be your own client,” and upload tips and tricks to attendees’ brains.

Jessica Hische is a lettering artist and author working in San Francisco. She has had the pleasure of working for clients including Wes Anderson, The United States Postal Service, The New York Times, and Penguin Books. Her work has been featured in design and illustration annuals in the U.S. and internationally. She’s been named a Print magazine New Visual Artist (2009), as well as one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Art and Design, ADC Young Guns, and Graphic Design USA People to Watch.

Aside from her illustrious client work, she has created numerous side projects including Daily Drop Cap; Should I Work for Free?; Mom This is How Twitter Works; and Don’t Fear the Internet (created along with Russ Maschmeyer). Hische has traveled the world speaking at conferences about her work and ideas. Her first book, In Progress, is available from Chronicle Books.