Creative Characters

What happens to creativity when designers are expected to work faster?
In this episode, host Phil Garnham speaks with Barcelona-based designer and typographer Marta Cerdà Alimbau about the growing tension between speed, technology, and creating meaningful design work.
Known for blending typography and illustration into expressive visual systems for global brands like Vogue, Nike, and The New York Times, Marta reflects on why doubt, memory, craft, and process still matter in an era shaped by automation and AI.
You can find blog posts for this and other episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

What does it take to bring a Pixar film to life for audiences around the world?
In this episode, host Bill Connolly sits down with John Trauscht, Senior Graphic Designer at Pixar Animation Studios, to explore the craft behind adapting films for global audiences and the creative mindset that makes it all possible.
From designing band posters to shaping global Pixar films, John's career has been consistently artistic but not exactly linear. He shares how collaboration, critique, and "creative surfing" help bring stories to life across languages and why humans are still central to storytelling.
You can find blog posts for this and other episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

What happens when your creative partner is also your identical twin? In this episode, The Stone Twins—Garech and Declan Stone—share how a lifelong relationship built on trust, honesty, and a bit of friction fuels their work.
From their upbringing in Dublin to building a studio in Amsterdam, they reflect on why competing ideas often lead to stronger outcomes and why, in a fast-moving industry, original thinking and human perspective matter more than ever. The Stone Twins also unpack their unique approach to branding, from shaping the identity of Amsterdam's A'DAM Tower to turning an Irish postage stamp into a storytelling platform, all while making the case for craft, clarity, and creating work people talk about.
You can find blog posts for this and other episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

What makes something easy — or frustrating — to read? In this episode, typeface legibility expert Sofie Beier shares an introduction to legibility and readability from a designer's point of view.
Sofie and host Terrance Weinzierl discuss common legibility myths, how typeface designers should plan for legibility, and some real-world consequences of poor legibility and readability.
You can find blog posts for this and past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.

This week we're joined by the dynamic duo of Ilana Griffo and Katie Johnson. They're creatives, co-owners of Goodtype, and co-authors of a new book, Follow Your Art: Uncover and Unleash Your Creative Voice.
With a community of 1 million on Instagram — as well as digital courses and events IRL — Goodtype is a resource for type lovers, artists, and designers to connect and learn. 
Katie and Ilana are obsessed with helping creatives find their unique voice. In this episode, they open up about their own creative voices and share strategies to help you find yours.
Follow Your Art: Uncover and Unleash Your Creative Voice comes out March 17. You can pre-order it here: https://goodtype.us/follow-your-art-book
To explore the Goodtype community, or to check out Ilana and Katie's work, head to goodtype.us or follow them on Instagram at goodtype.
You can find blog posts for this and past episodes at monotype.com/podcast.