Annual International Publishing Design Forum
The Faces of Typography in Editorial Design
The Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), in collaboration with Anáhuac University Mexico, will celebrate the tenth edition of the International Forum on Editorial Design. This year, the focus will be on the importance of typography in editorial design.
Typography not only serves as a vehicle for textual communication but also plays a crucial role in the aesthetics and readability of any publication. From the selection of typefaces that convey unique editorial styles to the adaptation of typography for various modern media and formats, this forum will explore how typography defines the visual narrative of stories and editorial content.
More than just a functional tool, typography is a critical element in the identity and expression of contemporary publications, directly influencing how readers perceive and engage with content. Thus, this event will provide a space for reflection and learning, where participants will share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on the significance and evolution of typography in editorial design.
2024 Program
Sunday December 01
16:00 to 16:10
Opening Ceremony
Salón de Profesionales, Área Internacional, Expo Guadalajara
16:10 to 17:00
The Character of Editorial Design Through Typography
Salón de Profesionales, Área Internacional, Expo Guadalajara
Typography is at the Heart of Editorial Design: It is fundamental in interior layout and defines the tone and essence of covers. It also complements other graphic elements such as illustrations, photographs, and ornaments. Each typographical choice contributes to the character of the prose, content, and style. The training and decisions of the editorial designer are essential for correctly interpreting these signs and seizing opportunities to make the work stand out even more.
Participant: Leonardo Vázquez
17:10 to 18:00
What Does a Typographer Do?
Salón de Profesionales, Área Internacional, Expo Guadalajara
Although typography may seem like a recent development, it dates back to the mid-15th century with the invention of modern printing by Johann Gutenberg. Despite technological advancements and digitalization, the role of the typographer has evolved but remains essential. The typographic palette, from the most basic to the most complex, continues to be crucial in print media; the typographer brings words to life, creating a visual impression on the reader even before the text is read.
Contrary to popular belief, today’s typographer works with specific guidelines to ensure that the message is conveyed as intended. In this conference, we will explore how typography impacts visual communication and the various services and profiles that typographical design professionals can offer.
Participants: Raúl Plancarte, Rogelio Cuevas Olivares
18:00 to 18:50
Invisible Letters: The Typography You Don’t See
Salón de Profesionales, Área Internacional, Expo Guadalajara
One of the main characteristics of typography should be its invisibility: in texts, it should go unnoticed by the reader, not drawing attention to itself, but performing in a way that prevents visual fatigue, avoids heavy or illegible type, and contributes to the pleasure of reading. Whether in print or digital media, selecting typefaces for text requires a trained eye that understands its impact. For a type designer, the goal should be to strive for perfection and an ideal balance between functionality and personality, aiming to create typefaces that surpass existing ones.
Participants: Fer Cozzi, Cristóbal Henestrosa, Francisco Gálvez
Moderator: Mario Balcázar
18:50 to 19:40
Design Beyond the Book: Publishers Who Understand Typography
Salón de Profesionales, Área Internacional, Expo Guadalajara
Every day, more publishers are enhancing their image through design and selecting a curated set of typefaces for use in their editions, as well as representing them beyond books, in their corporate identity, presentations, and presence in both digital (social media) and analog (bookstores or events) media. Much of these identities are built around typography, through a level of personalization that often becomes an integral part of their brand.
Participants: Isidro Ferrer, Leonardo Vázquez, Nubia Navarro
Moderator: Alexia Halterman
19:40 to 20:30
The Rebellion of Sans Serifs: Does the World Need New Typefaces?
Salón de Profesionales, Área Internacional, Expo Guadalajara
Understanding the role of typography in the editorial field dates back to Gutenberg's movable type. The 16th to 19th centuries were crucial in defining contemporary typographic systems. Serif typefaces nearly standardized the publishing industry. Today, we face the challenge of creating typefaces for digital media, where sans serifs seem to have taken prominence, relegating serifs to traditional media and even excluding them from brand design. However, the cyclical nature of trends invites a reconsideration of serif typefaces.
So, does the industry need new typefaces? More than a simple question, this reflection is directed towards what the world of typography currently demands. Amidst saturation and difficulty in the typographic sector to offer new typefaces, efforts are focused on the custom design of typefaces for companies and individuals, with the editorial industry leading this trend. On the other hand, the development of variable fonts provides designers with the ability to go beyond simple application, offering the possibility to modify weights, shapes, characteristics, and even animate them, adapting to opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
Participants: Gen Ramírez, Andreu Balius Planelles, Mario Balcázar
Moderator: Mónica Puigferrat Novella
2024 Workshops:
Organized by:
In collaboration with:
For further information, contact:
Exhibitors and Professionals coordinator, Armando M. de Santiago at the phone number (+52) 33 3810 0331, ext.919