Take Part in the 36 Days of Type Challenge

Nubikini gives us the best tips on how to be part of this fun, creative challenge

36 Days of Type is a challenge that invites you to create 26 letters and 10 numbers over 36 days. The challenge is in its seventh edition and is taking place between March the 2nd and April 6th. You can participate whether you are a professional typographer or simply interested in design, illustration, animation, or any other creative discipline. You don’t even need to publish work daily and can choose your pace according to your needs. Don’t forget to share your projects with the community!

We interview Nubia Navarro (@nubikini), Venezuelan lettering artist, based in Bogotá, to learn about her creative process for this world typography challenge. Learn how to come up with a concept, where to find inspiration, which tools to use, and all the good things involved in taking part in an online lettering marathon.

What would you say to anyone undecided about whether to take part or not? Tell us about the positive experiences you have had in this creative challenge.

If you’re unsure about participating in this challenge, my advice is to go for it! I have had some great experiences as part of 36 Days of Type. The first one was that it helped me be consistent in my practice.

Secondly, it is a global challenge, and I did not want to be left behind. You get a lot of exposure by being part of such a big community in those days of activity. I always enjoy being active on social media, for example on my Instagram (@nubikini), particularly during #36daysoftype. I also want to make my portfolio stronger through daily exercises.

Finally, I like to support [url=http://www.36daysoftype.com[/url], two great colleagues whom I highly admire for putting together such a cool project.

Do you know any interesting artists who follow the challenge?

In the latest edition, I enjoyed the entries of Arron Croasdell (@workofacid) and Daniel Maarleveld (@daniel_maarleveld).

This challenge always helps me find new devotees of lettering, which is an excellent opportunity for me to get closer to people interested in design and other typography related arts.

Do you start from a concept when planning your entries?

I have taken part in 36 Days of Type several times, both as a spectator and as a designer. Generally, I set a schedule starting with the first letter I design. I try to use a defined style, but soon after I feel I can be as free as I need to be because I always stay true to my personal taste or to any technique I wish to develop at that moment.

Most of the time I start by deciding on a color palette and considering textures I like. I combine shapes and elements and create the alphabet little by little. Other times, whilst I am designing, it’s the letters that dictate new ways to create shapes.

How do you choose the style you will use for the challenge?

Sometimes I try to do each letter based on a word starting with the same letter. Otherwise, I let the shape of the letter inspire me.

Another good idea is to look for textures or brushes that help you develop a concept as you move along the challenge, and draw starting from this point There are letters that turn out more abstract than others, but the most important thing is to be happy with the way they look.

What tools do you use to complete the challenge?

They vary according to the moment. One time I remember starting the work on my computer using Illustrator and Photoshop. Then, right in the middle of the challenge, I went off on a trip and I finished the piece using all sorts of stuff: pine needles, stones, and leaves. It was good fun to incorporate experimental typography into the pieces. Don’t be afraid to try out tools and formats you do not use regularly!

In the last edition, I did the whole challenge on my iPad using Procreate. I used brushes with different finishes to achieve a vintage touch and a 3D feel to my letters.

What final tips would you give any creative who would like to take part?

The biggest piece of advice is to not feel pressured to complete something every day. At times it can be hard to be organized, so make sure you plan a concept, to begin with, so that the project can be an enjoyable endeavor, rather than a daily chore.
What is good is seeing a project develop from the start and observing how each letter comes to life. You get a great sense of accomplishment at the end of your project and a good sense of belonging when you follow the process of other designers.

I think that besides being an individual challenge it is also an opportunity to bring together creativity and build a community around lettering.

Another tip I can give you is that 36 Days of Type does not run only for a month. You can set yourself this challenge at any point in time, to develop your skills and build on your portfolio.

If you wish to learn everything about lettering from Nubikini, sign up to her course Calligraphy and Lettering for Instagram with Procreate.

Are you going to take part in #36daysoftype? Share your type creations with Domestika!

You may also like:

- A Short History of Copperplate Calligraphy.
- Typographic Anatomy: the Different Parts of a Letter.
- Illustrator Tutorial: 3 Ways to Vectorize an Image.