Now and then, everything comes together. The right place, the right time, the right people. Meet Beia Smith-Shaw, a designer from Albuquerque, and the daughter of photographer dad Gary. One of the best parts of my job is when I get to interact with talented folks like this. The extent of my design training dates back to photography school, when I was tasked with designing a book cover for Last of the Mohicans. I used a t-square and tracing paper. Computers would arrive the following semester. We were paraded in front of these new machines and told not to touch them. They were for the future, not us.
Graphic designer and musician Beia Smith-Shaw set out to merge both worlds by designing a new typeface, Headliner, that weaves rhythm, harmony, and movement into letterforms.
One of the many sobering realities of my life at Blurb was the moment I realized how little I knew. Type was as familiar to me as quantum mechanics. What do you mean, I’m not actually touching you when I’m touching you? Impossible. I got a D in college algebra, and I know for a fact that was a mercy grade. He didn’t want to see me ever again, and rightly so. I was a mess. So, when I see someone like Beia creating a typeface, it makes my creative heart begin to pound. Not to mention, Beia is a gem of a human being. Watching good people make good work is what being around creativity is all about. Have a look, have a listen.
Comments 6
An excellent interview to showcase this great book and Beia is obviously a very thoughtful, considerate, and creative designer / musician. Here’s to her getting her dream job.
Author
Thanks Alex. I hope she lands something good!
That was really interesting. I’m kind of amazed that people are still inventing or creating new type faces. I have to admit that I don’t get type at all. Why one and not another? Beats me. I go with whatever is easy to read. I think all my books, aside from the test, use Ariel. Boring, yes I know. But easy to read and that’s the thing.
Author
It’s a hugely important part of making books. It’s on par with the images. Same for white space, the overall design, etc. I don’t know much either…..
Wow impressive. Thanks Dan-o for the share. Very well presented and well articulated Beia. All the best and continued success!
Author
Thank you!