You’re here for the invites…right? Well there’s no need for me to explain what Dribbble is in much depth, as most of you know it’s a pretty rad community where you post sneak peaks of what you’re currently working on, in the form of 400 x 300 px images. The quality of work is exceptional and the chance to interact, critique and inspire is second to none.

Dribbble invites are like gold dust. I’ve been a member for several months and only just got my first two invites this week. While I can think of several people who I could give these to immediately, I wanted to open this up to a wider audience.

In the world of Dribbble who you draft is a big deal. No one wants to draft the guy who uploads pictures of his cat, so I’m going to be pretty picky as to who scores these invites. I’m held responsible for the quality of work being uploaded by someone I draft so I’m taking the selection process seriously.

The über cool John O’Nolan has also kindly donated one Dribbble invite, bringing the total to three. So if you want drafted, make sure you follow the instructions below.

How To Enter

1. Leave a comment below with a few words of the type or style of work you would be uploading.
2. Post a link to your favourite bit of artwork you’ve produced.

Deadline

On Friday 6th August I will announce the three winners on this blog post and Twitter. Good luck to all!

EDIT: The super kind Ryan Downie, Chris Gibbons and Paul Stanton have also now donated an invite, while the lovely Emma Taylor has donated THREE invites. Taking the total to Nine invites to win!

Nine Dribbble Invites To Win – Get Drafted! is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

Typography should be every designer’s best friend as it is such an important aspect of modern design, that mastering how to use it effectively is essential.

When typography is neglected it can leave you with a sub standard design and impact on the rest of the project which will leave you and your client unhappy with the end result.

You don’t have to look far to see modern typography as it’s all around us as billboards, shop windows and product packaging for example carry some truly inspirational examples of typography.

Here are fifteen outstanding typographic posters that will interest and inspire you in your own projects.

Are there any typographic resources you could recommend? If so, please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

This is a guest post from the talented:

Paul Maloney is a UK based web designer/developer and runs the design agency Tropica. He particularly enjoys using and working with WordPress and has a keen interest in typography. You can follow Paul on Twitter.

15 Invigorating Typographic Posters is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

This is the first in a three part in-depth series on how to incorporate sketching into your design process to kick-start your creativity and help brainstorm faster and more efficiently.

Part One interviews four established designers and illustrators to gain an insight into how they approach sketching, Part Two is an in-depth guide exploring the advantages of sketching for designers, while Part Three establishes some of the best resources to get you started. So make sure you are subscribed so as not to miss out when these are published over the next few weeks.

In order to gain a thorough understanding of how beneficial the process of sketching can be, I asked a small selection of talented designers and illustrators to share their process, advice and tips.

For this interview each participant was asked the same set of questions. Below you will see the questions listed with the corresponding responses from each person.

1. Can you talk us through your typical design process?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
My process always start off in my sketchbook, although I try not to have a 1-2-3-step process to my work (I like to switch things up and keep it interesting; I get bored easily). If I’m working on a website design in my sketchbook, I start with wireframing and layout. I like to spend a lot of time of this since I personally feel that the layout is one of the most important elements of the site. “Pretty” graphics and stunning effects will often get downplayed with lack of good layout and flow. Plus bad layout will definitely hinder the viewers experience.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
My best answer to this would be to direct people to a presentation I did
at the HOW Design Conference in Boston. They’ll be able to see exactly how
I approach my work.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
I approach projects in the same way as many other designers would, i.e., gathering information, interpreting the brief, brainstorming, sketching, digitizing, presenting — all the while communicating with clients. You can read a more in-depth description here: The brand identity design process.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
My design process varies as I work with various processes including screenprint and collage. Everything starts with drawing though, either in sketchbooks as thumbnails, or uncontrolled scribbles on loose bits of paper. The drawings are then scanned and digitally treated or used as blueprints for collages. Sometimes I combine these practises depending on the work I make. My work can be very eclectic, but drawing is always the common thread that holds everything together.

2. Could you give us an insight into your style or technique?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
I try not to stick to a particular style, although I think it is fair to say that we all have influences that we draw upon. Sometimes I settle on a typefaces, other times a color palette, or at times, I start off designing something as little as button and then expand from there.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
My style is influenced by the project type and context. Regardless of
style my technique and approach stays relatively the same from one project
to the next.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
The emphasis is on ideas. I aim to keep the outcome as simple as possible, so it’s easier for people to remember (and therefore recall at a quick glance).

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I don’t think I have an identifiable style as such. Sometimes my work is born from reckless doodling. Other times it comes from relentlessly observing something, or glueing paper together like an angry child. I think my work is a collision of the real world and the imagination with a strong passion for colour.

3. Who or what inspires, informs, and influences your work?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
My passion lies in typography and layout, so much of my web work places emphasis those things. I love looking at old, hand-drawn type and signage, book cover design, and publication design / layout. I enjoy timeless design.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Being informed on as many fronts as possible inspires, informs and
influences me the most. I read a lot both non-fiction, fiction, physics,
business journals, and marketing. I love traveling and studying history.
All of it kind of mixes together and my mind starts to make connections
and it helps me to formulate ideas and better understand topics so I can
design from a more informed perspective and not just merely be a picture
maker.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
I’m influenced by friends, family, designers, blog readers, authors, business-people, the weather, nature, architecture… everything. A strong designer will make use of all the elements around him or her.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I am very inspired by travel and keeping sketchbooks of the places I have visited. I love design in nature, and colour plays a significant role in my work too. I love the absurd and try and capture some of that in my work. I admire the work of Heinz Edelmann for it’s distinct personality and quirks.

4. How do you effectively use sketching as a designer?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
If I’m designing a logo I start off by mind-mapping in my sketchbook. It’s my way of visualizing with words, that help me come to terms with the iconography that relates to the logo I am creating. Once I settle on a few terms and keywords I then beginning loosely sketching ideas based on the mind-mapping exercise.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
My process is both analog and digital. I start off in analog, move to
digital and go back and forth through out my creative process. I strongly
believe all designers should be drawing. Doesn’t matter if you ever want
to become a full-blown illustrator. That isn’t the point. It’s about being
able to take that intangible idea and put it on paper in 2D form. Drawing
improves design period.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
I don’t think there’s an effective and ineffective way. All sketching helps, as long as you consider it an integral part of the process, and don’t simply go through the motions.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I use sketching in different ways. To solve problems/ make mistakes / try out and remember ideas and for finished work.

5. What are the important elements to consider within a composition?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
Lately, I’ve been finding myself starting off in the early stages of a project by choosing a particular typeface and then designing around it. Type has so much personality and can really set the tone for the remaining elements of which still needs to be designed.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Focusing the viewers attention, and directly them visually where they
should go and what they should think. Making sure visual tension isn’t
within my design because it deteriorates your design. The more visual
tension the weaker the design.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
Space, shape, texture, colour, line, form, balance, proportion, emphasis.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
For me personally it is the white space that frames the subject I am illustrating. So it is the areas that you don’t design in that helps to enhance the areas that you do.

6. How do you think a designer can develop a personal style when drawing or sketching?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
In every designer’s body of work, even though each piece is different, you can always see at least small traces of the designer’s hand and eye in their work. When it comes to sketching I would imagine it being similar.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Just start drawing and the more you do it the more your style will come
out and be apparent. You can’t really force it, it’ll come out naturally
but it takes time and patience.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
By sketching quickly. If you take too long, it defeats the purpose. Remember, sketching isn’t about becoming the next Picasso. It’s about transferring ideas from your brain to paper. The more sketches you make, the more ideas you can draw upon when moving forward.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
By getting out and observing real life. Avoid copying trends, but opt for drawing the things that interest you. I think that drawing from life really contributes to the designer developing their own visual language.

7. How do you think sketching can be of benefit to other designers?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
Sketching is very beneficial for designers; it allows us to quickly get ideas out on paper and focus more on the overall picture instead of minor details too early in the process. I was recently speaking with Dan Mall and he also noticed and mentioned his past students mostly focus on the tiny details much too early; many of which bypass sketching all together. For anyone that has ever taken a drawing class, in fine art they call it gesture drawing. The act of getting the shape of a figure down before worrying about little things (ie: eye balls, finger nails, etc).

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Lets say you start drawing daily now. You continue to draw for the next
five years, do you think you’ll be a stronger creative at that time or
worse? Creativity is progressive, it should always be growing, refining,
becoming better both in craft and concept.

That said drawing can be directly related to inspiration and if you’re not
feeding the furnace by taking in life at it’s fullest it’ll be very hard
to stay motivated and keep that fire going. So I think this question ties
into question 3 in very significant ways.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
Sketching is the fastest method available for documenting visual design ideas. Using a computer brings an unnecessary restriction into the mix, almost like a “middle man.”

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I think that good design should have personality and something to say. Sketching and visually recording provides a good platform for strong design. Sketching is the place where you make your mistakes and your discoveries. It is a place to lay the foundations of your ideas. Sketching can develop a designers voice.

8. Lastly, name 5 tips for the budding sketch artist?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
1. Sketch often.
2. Sketch loosely and fast.
3. Forget the tiny details.
4. Never leave your house without a notebook; you never know when inspiration will strike.
5. Keep written sketches / notes just as much as visual sketches.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
1. Start: You’ll never grow if you never start.
2. Have Fun: Don’t worry about what to do, just do what wherever you’d
like to do.
3. It’s OK to do a bad drawing: Many times you’ll learn more from a crappy
drawing than you will from one you love. No one nails it every time.
4. Save your doodles: Even if it’s not a formal drawing and just a doodle
save it.
5. Make it easy to do: Personally I don’t like sketch books, I prefer
sketch pads I can tear off. So figure out how to make it work for you,
that will help you stick with it.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
1. Carry a notepad and pen/pencil with you.
2. Practice makes better.
3. Focus on the idea — not shading or tone.
4. Don’t worry about making a mistake. Mistakes are how we learn.
5. Stay hydrated.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
1. Draw every day
2. Get interested by the little details of life.
3. Spend as little time in front of your computer as you can manage
4. Draw with your opposite hand
5. Don’t seek praise for your drawing. Seek criticism

Conclusion

So there you have it, some fantastic insights and advice from a selection of talented designers and illustrators.

Thank you to all of the contributors who were very gracious in taking their time to answer my questions. Don’t forget to subscribe or check back next week for Part 2!

The Benefits Of Sketching As A Designer: Part One is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

Interviewed on The Web Design Blog is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

So what could you potentially get for that £40? It’s time to find out….

• Website UK Design

• HavenWorks

• Fabric Land

• Nina Hagendas

• Yvettes Bridal Formal

• Norcalis

• Tusitioya

• John Eppler

• DP Graph

• Frnz

• Dokimos

• Silver Queen

• MIA UK

• CPT Pisa

• Arngren

So would that £40 have been well spent? It’s up to you to decide just how much your value your business and brand.

Still not had your fix of the ugly? Well here are some more resources to feast your eyes upon:

• Internets Ugliest Website
• Fuglysite
• Webpages That Suck
• The Big Ugly Website
• Worlds Ugliest Websites
• Ugliest Websites Of The Decade

So if your eyes are still in working order after that dose of ugliness, in the comments tell us what your favorite ugly site of all time is!

What Cheap Web Design Really Looks Like is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

The giveaway has now ended and the winner is @alanhouser because I loved his comment, definitely got a smile from me! Thanks to everyone who entered, I always have a giveaway in the works so make sure to subscribe so you get a shot at the next one.

Geeks love t-shirts. It’s a fact of life, when we see a kick-ass nerdy t-shirt we whip out our credit cards and wait by the door for the post to arrive!

So when I found Origin68 (via AisleOne) a few weeks back, I was excited, because not only do they offer some awesome threads but they’re also based here in the UK. They are based in Manchester and follow the ideal that a tshirt can change the world (my kind of people).

I contacted Matt and Harry to ask if I could partner with them to offer my readers an exclusive giveaway and they were more than happy to oblige.

Origin68 are offering two t-shirts to one lucky winner. For your chance to win see the following.

How To Enter

1. Make sure you are following both @gracesmith and @origin68 on Twitter
2. Leave a comment below stating the two t-shirts you would like and most importantly why you should win!

Competition Details

The closing date is Tuesday 6th April and the winner will be told via Twitter DM (which is why you need to be following both of us).

Please note this is not an April Fools joke either!

Origin68 T-Shirt Giveaway – Now Closed is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

I’ve decided to expand on my points in the Mashable article and write an in depth walkthrough of my wireframing process.

I generally use the Grey-Box Method to create wireframes in Photoshop, though for larger projects or applications I use Mockflow (Premium). Personally the Grey-Box method acts as an intermediary phase between initial sketches and the actual design phase.

My workflow when wireframing usually consists of the following:

• (1) Pen & Paper

It’s the fastest way to brainstorm and convey as many ideas as possible with the least amount of effort. Sketching enables me to break down ideas and fully explore UI options and I find putting it down on paper tends to raise questions and ideas and leads to changes. I use the Sketch Sheets supplied with the 960 Grid System which display a browser frame and grid lines.

• (2) Grids

Using a Photoshop Action that recreates any of the 960 templates, I start creating the wireframes using the grid as a reference point for positioning elements (Cmd + H to toggle the handy guide visibility). As a side note, Grids aren’t for everyone but I do feel they help give structure and a solid foundation to build my designs upon.

I should note I don’t use Grids on every single project nor do I always stick rigidly to them as I find on certain projects they act more as a foundational guideline.

A wireframe I created for a client who was launching a new web app last year.

• (3) Creation

Using this method is essentially designing with spacial relationships and focuses on creating a functional layout without getting hung up on fonts, textures and other design elements. Wireframing is concentrated on functionality not design so I try to avoid anything that could be construed as design as it almost certainly ends up distracting the client.

I use the wireframe to layout the actual dimensions of the page so that once it’s approved it’s just a matter of applying the design treatment (see step 5). I also keep things very simple and limit the ‘color’ palette to: #dadada, #f2f2f2 and of course #000000.

• (4) Feedback

I use Notable for feedback on projects, so a workspace is setup for the project and the wireframe (JPEG) is uploaded, along with any necessary annotations with feedback then requested.

Notable is superb and is ultimately built to allow quick and easy collaboration. It’s helped me streamline my feedback process and keeps all parts of a project organised using sets and workspaces.

• (5) Design

Once the wireframe has been finalized, I can go straight back into Photoshop and actually ‘build upon’ the wireframe itself which makes the process that much more efficient as the starting blocks are already in place right down to the grid! It also means the design process is more in touch with my initial wireframes.

Using Photoshop and in particular the Grey-Box Method may sound like a waste of time when you can just move onto a full color comp but it allows you to spot potential problems early, make adjustments quickly and cuts down dramatically on revisions later in the design treatment stage.

More importantly whatever method or tool you use, the key thing is that you take the time to plan.

That’s my process but I would love to know what tools and steps you take when wireframing for a project. Any tips or advice you can leave in the comments below would be awesome!

An In-Depth Look At My Wireframing Process is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

Many propose you should design something every day, but personally I don’t think your own personal creativity should be set within such a rigid guideline. I love what I do and I have great clients but I still need a creative outlet to just experiment and have fun and I don’t want the pressure of forcing myself to do it everyday as I only want to design for myself when I feel inspired to do so.

Although if you are one of the determined folk doing a Design Daily 365 (like this fantastic logo based project), kudos to you and keep on going!

So each week I take some time to create, learn, experiment and let loose on a simple design project. Lately I’ve been obsessed with Collage and in particular combining this with vintage photos and views from bygone eras.

My latest piece is the first in a Collage based series called ‘Yes Dear’ which is a playful look at the role of women in post-war Britain. It was actually inspired by an ad featured in 15 Sexist Vintage Ads.

The amazing stock images were from ThinkStock which gives me access to a huge collection of images and illustrations. I aim to create a complete series of 6 over the next month, but hey, if takes a little longer, that’s cool because it’s just for me!

I’m Not Alone

I asked on Twitter if others were creating for themselves, and if so why and got some fab replies:

@psdesignuk I design for myself all the time for practice and to keep my portfolio fresh with new ideas. Some are successful, some not.

@SeanHood Yes, I get inspired by sites and try to recreate them in HTML+CSS to test my knowledge and learn new techniques.

@DanielApt I always experiment while designing, if you don’t experiment, you become stagnant as a designer.

@prestondlee I actually try to experiment and design outside the box even when I’m working on client projects. People like to be different.

@AtiKuSDesign I do. I find that it keeps my mind fresh and I learn new techniques I would otherwise have no opportunity to try.

@PaintedPages Yes, I do play w/ design / experiment in my free time – it relaxes me quiets my thoughts calming meditative even.

@daxjustin YES. Unorchestrated, spontaneous, freedom = Best learning.

@refreshcreation Yup, It’s fun to do and it sure helps to improve my skills at designing. When you come up with something neat, it can always be used later on for a client/tutorial write-up.

@tkenny I do because being in full control of personal projects is the only way I can truly and 100% enjoy my work.

@sbparks Yes, sometimes I like to design things for people just to make them laugh or smile, so that could be a custom card or an e-card.

@alanhornedotcom I do it in my spare time, as at the moment i also have a full-time web dev job.

@OppDes I definitely design & experiment for myself in my free time. it’s part of what keeps me loose & constantly learning.

@danredding Yes! It’s important to have fun. I also think it’s crucial to show people pure expressions of my design personality.

@hidobrado Most of my time is spent design/experiment for myself because I’m just starting out. It’s the best way to learn skills!

@kumailht Just to get away from clients and realize how much you actually love design.

@mustardamus Yes. Primary: curiosity. Secondary: Learn new things and see if ideas work out. Hacking around is fun!

@gavinelliott All the time because I love what I do.

@designjunction Why ? Its like a daily work-out & it helps me explore styles/ideas to come-back later on & do some nice personal projects.

@pixeldeath Always experimenting with design, free time or work time. Got to keep things fresh and sharpen the skills.

As Designers (or developers), it’s important to shut out social media, unplug the phone and just be spontaneous, unorchestrated and free by creating something just for us. The upside is that practice makes perfect – the more we use our skills the better we become and it reminds us all just how much we love design.

Flickr Group Project

I’ve created a Flickr Group called Me, Myself & Photoshop where I would love all of you to upload some of your creations (which I will be doing as well). It doesn’t have to be created in Photoshop either!

I’ve also created a new Flickr account just for posting design work, so feel free to friend me on it or my photographic account.

Do you step away from client work to design for yourself? If so what motivates you and what form does it take?

Stop Twittering and Start Designing For Yourself is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

Interviewed on The Freelance Show is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.

So what better way to keep ourselves entertained, enlightened or just plain amused with Type than with these 9 Typography based apps.

• 1.The Font Game: Website | iTunes Store

Think you know your Century from your Myriad Pro? Well The Font Game will most definitely test your typography knowledge! There are three levels to choose from, beginning with ‘Somewhat Difficult’ through to the incredibly challenging ‘Exceedingly Difficult’, with a Hall of Fame which holds the latest and greatest scores. It was created by the Typography obsessed John Boardley, Kari Pätilä and Justin Stahl.

• 2. KERN: Website | iTunes Store

KERN is a challenging and thoroughly addictive game with the aim being to place a missing letter into a falling word while avoiding unnecessary ligatures. The letter appears at a variable point size and as the leading begins to shrink, you navigate the missing letter to the proper space and release its handle to lock it in place. It’s a wonderfully designed app that will bring out the Typography addict within.

• 3. Typography: Website | iTunes Store

This uniquely interesting app uses a random set of letters published on Flickr to display the message you input, which can then be emailed directly to a recipient of your choice or uploaded on the public gallery. Each image is linked to the respective Flickr page and you can view the photo’s credit by rolling over the image. It’s a fantastic combination of Flickr, Typography and communication.

• 4. What The Font: Website | iTunes Store

What The Font is the brainchild of MyFonts which helps you identify the fonts in a photo or web graphic. Ever seen a great font in a magazine ad, poster, or on the web and wondered what font it is? Whip out your iPhone and snap a photo, and WhatTheFont for iPhone will identify that font in seconds. The app connects directly to MyFonts’ font identification service which I’ve used personally on many occasions.

• 5. The Typography Manual: Website | iTunes Store

Do your eyes light up when conversations turn to ems, kerning, and baseline grids? If you answered yes, then The Typography Manual is for you! The Typography Manual is a superb resource for designers and includes a visual type anatomy glossary, a font size ruler, an em calculator, and enough content to fill a 60-page book. It has all the essentials of a desk reference in a regularly updated pocket resource. This is one Typography app every designer should have on their iPhone.

• 6. Type Drawing: Website | iTunes Store

TypeDrawing is a wonderful app that lets you draw with letters. You start by typing a sentence, word or letters you want to express, and then just draw. It allows you to make stunning typographic artworks and wallpapers. You can specify the font, size, color and opacity as well as the background and later save your artwork to a Photo Album or Email it. You can also join the Flickr group and upload your drawings.

• 7. Font Shuffle: Website | iTunes Store

FontShuffle was created by The Font Shop and offers a unique way of finding and comparing typefaces, and composing text samples. It’s a fantastic source of typographic inspiration, with hundreds of font families sorted by visual similarity into a visual family tree. The FontShop selects the best fonts from its huge assortment, from the world’s most respected type foundries, so the FontShuffle catalogue is constantly updated.

• 8. Type Photo: Website | iTunes Store

Type Photo combines your creative imagination with Typography and Photos. Make your friend’s photos into great typographic art with the words you want to say together. TypePhoto is really simple to use. Just type a sentence, words or letters and choose a font, then select an image (from either your photo album or with your iPhone camera) and that’s it, Type Photo creates beautiful typographic art. Type Photo also supports saving your arts as high definition images (1920*1920 pixels) and you can print them out or set them as wallpaper on your Mac and iPhone.

• 9. Font Browser: Website | iTunes Store

Want to know what the Malayalam letter Gha looks like? Do you need to know the key code for a left arrow? Or wonder what fonts are installed in your device? This app is for you. Font Browser is a unicode font browser, color browser, and keyboard keystroke browser. You can browse through more than 19,000 characters in the Unicode font, 9,600 named colors and 1,900 X11 keyboard codes.

Further Typography Resources

• The Principles of Beautiful Typography
• Five simple steps to better typography
• 21 Typography Web Apps You Can’t Live Without
• 101 Typography Resources for Web Designers

Have you tried any of the apps listed? If so I would love to hear your experience and your recommendations in the comments below.

9 Must Have iPhone Apps For Font Addicts is a post from: Grace Smith, a Freelance Web Designer based in Northern Ireland, UK. Grace runs a micro design studio called Postscript5 and works with range of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the world.