What led you into design?
I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember, but my path into design has been a bit of a winding one. I actually studied journalism at university, worked in UI/UX for nearly a decade, and only later took the plunge into type design.
I think that my early home environment helped steer me in a creative direction. My father worked as an English professor, which encouraged me to value language as means of self expression, while my mother encouraged me to draw. As a kid, I spent countless hours designing DIY websites on the family computer. This was all just for fun, and I never imagined it could lead to a career.
My typeface work comes from a very personal place, or it at least started out that way. What first got me into type design was approaching it as a form of personal expression.
What does a typical day look like?
Currently, I mostly work from my home studio which I share with my partner. I aim to start at least a few days of the week with 10-20 minutes of physical movement before diving into work, whether that’s yoga or going for a walk. I've started using walks to structure my day, as the change of scenery helps keep my mental energy refreshed.
My best creative energy is in the morning, so I try when I can to protect that time for focused project work or conceptual thinking. But first, I'll usually reply to emails and work on organisational tasks. The past year has been atypical of most, as I've been focused on completing a typeface for release. Usually, I'm on client work and my days will involve a mixture of meetings, project work, and inevitably admin.
Cooking dinner signals the end of the work day, and I'll catch up with my partner, meet a friend or do something to unwind.
What's your workstation setup?
My workstation setup is pretty minimal, consisting of my laptop and an external display monitor. I recently moved back to the U.K. from the Netherlands, so things are still being set up.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I find that the best inspiration is often found unexpectedly—some of my most enjoyable and interesting projects have resulted from pursuing happy accidents while working.
Inspiration can come from anywhere. A go-to for me is secondhand bookstores, but exploring and engaging with sources outside my field has ultimately fueled my excitement for my projects. Ancient martial arts practices, modernist poetry, and dreamlike ambient music are a few of the interests that have recently influenced my typefaces.
What product have you recently seen that made you think this is great design?
I recently saw the Kelmscott Chaucer by William Morris in person for the first time. It has been described as “pocket cathedral” which is a perfect metaphor for it. Every page is adorned with meticulous floral patterns and ornate borders, and the book is set in two typefaces that were designed especially for the book.
What pieces of work are you most proud of?
I'm most of proud of my latest project, which is my first typeface, Ceraph. This project holds very special meaning for me—it became the bridge that led me from feeling boxed in to pursuing my true passions.
As a self-taught type designer, the journey was often incredibly challenging and even lonely, but also deeply rewarding. The support I received showed how generous and welcoming the type community can be.
What design challenges do you face at your company?
I mostly work by myself, so the hardest part has been finding a rhythm that lets me focus on the work I love without getting buried in admin tasks and marketing. I've had to learn to embrace the unpredictability, and I use quieter periods for admin, reflection and experimentation. It’s chaotic at times, but getting to shape my own path makes it incredibly rewarding.
What music do you listen to while designing?
Any advice for ambitious designers?
If I could offer advice to someone approaching type design from a self-taught path like I did, I’d share what worked for me: freelancing gave me more time to learn and practice. I know that’s not an option for everyone, but it’s essential to find ways to keep creating and experimenting—trying out different things can help you discover what truly resonates with you.
I'd also add that sharing your work and story makes a big difference. Applying for the Malee Scholarship, a grant for women of colour in type, and sharing my work on Instagram led to collaborations and meeting people I'd looked up to.
A few other useful communities: The Alphabettes, TypeCrit Crew
Anything you want to promote or plug?
My new typeface Ceraph recently launched. Ceraph is an elegant flared display typeface. It balances calligraphic fluidity with a constructed foundation and blends eclectic historical references with a contemporary perspective. You can explore it here: http://sharptype.co/typefaces/ceraph.
I'm also taking on new projects in brand identity, type design, and type consultancy, so I’d love to hear from you if you have any projects lined up. http://www.emmapiercy.com
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