2AM-DM

Posted on by Slanted editors

In collaboration with Sony Music Norway, Studio Herrström has turned the raw emotions of late-night texting into a striking typographic expression. Inspired by the vulnerability of 2AM messages—unsent confessions, unfiltered thoughts, and the longing for connection—the design captures the intensity of love, hesitation, and human connection in its purest form. This bold visual language transforms fleeting digital moments into an artful exploration of emotion, making it especially resonant for Valentine’s Day.

At 2AM, the world quiets, and emotions surface unfiltered. It is both the night’s deepest hush and the moment when thoughts emerge raw and vulnerable. Texting at 2AM is an act of honesty—where love, longing, and unspoken emotions take shape in messages sent in search of connection. The Oslo-based artist duo 2AM-DM captures this fleeting moment and transforms it into a powerful artistic expression.

“Our music is from and for the heart. It’s heartcore.” — Aksel Krystad and Robin Howard, 2AM-DM

In collaboration with Sony Music Norway, Vienna-based Studio Herrström translated these scattered late-night emotions into a custom-made typography, creating a striking visual and conceptual representation of unfiltered feelings. For the design of the typography, a retrograde approach was chosen—one that starts not with letterforms, but with their negative space. This introspective act mirrors the vulnerability of a 2AM message, the moment of hesitation before pressing send. A square structure frames the design, representing a contained space for these emotions—like the confines of a message window, holding words we might never say out loud. The shapes within the typography subtly resemble hearts, reinforcing themes of love and the expression of feelings. The result is a typography that feels as intimate as a whispered confession of love unsent.

“We began by immersing the audience in culture and emotion—evoking a sense of familiarity and nostalgia through culturally significant objects that remind us of the homes and hearts of those we cherish.” — Julian Jakob, Studio Herrström

Just as love is deeply intertwined with memory and tradition, this design bridges emotion and cultural heritage by integrating intricate patterns inspired by traditional Norwegian craft—garments, textiles, and everyday objects—connecting personal expression with Scandinavian design traditions. This fusion of nostalgia, passion, and modernity makes the typography both intimate and distinct, evoking the universal familiarity of desire, unspoken love, and the courage to reach out—especially on Valentine’s Day.

“The Studio Herrström team came back with several options, listened to our feedback, delivered amazing work and was super friendly and fun to work with!” — Christin Malén Andreassen, Sony Music Norway

Mutter & Muße

Posted on by Linus Haug

Host Anouk Rehorek speaks with inspiring guests from the creative industry about motherhood, gender equality, and new work models. The podcast is part of the Fair Work Initiative by the Creative Club Austria and is co-funded by the Association for Advertising and Market Communication. “We need more visibility for those who combine work and caregiving—and the creative ways they do it,” says Anouk Rehorek, designer, entrepreneur, and mother.

The conversations explore how creativity and parenthood can be reimagined, why motherhood often remains invisible in the creative industry, and how all genders play a crucial role in reshaping traditional roles. Guests include Astrid Feldner (Creative Director, mother of a daughter), Franziska Fürpass (fashion designer, mother of a son), and others who share insights on work-life balance and gender equality. Motherhood is often seen as a career obstacle, especially in creative fields, while caregiving remains invisible in public discourse. Mutter & Muße shows that balancing work and family is not just a private issue but a societal challenge requiring new work models and mindsets.

The podcast explores the (in)compatibility of caregiving and creative work while raising awareness about gender equality. A core goal is increasing the visibility of mothers in creative industries to develop real solutions. Mutter & Muße helps redefine the narrative of work, parenthood, and creativity.

Mutter & Muße is aimed at women, particularly mothers, in creative fields, where a significant number work part-time. It also speaks to fathers looking to take on more caregiving responsibilities, as father involvement has declined since 2017. The podcast is relevant for industry organizations like Design Austria, Creative Club Austria, WEI SRAUM Tirol, and CREATIVE REGION Upper Austria, as well as museums and festivals such as the MAK, Vienna Design Week, and Forward Festival. Leaders and decision-makers in creative businesses and cultural institutions will also find valuable insights.

Find further information here.

21st Pictoplasma Conference

Posted on by ldenicke

Pictoplasma returns with a stellar line up of artists, illustrators, filmmakers and designers looking to the future and reimagining the visual culture—including designer duo Craig & Karl, illustrator Angela Kirkwood, and virtual influencer Nobody Sausage. The world’s only conference on contemporary character design and art dives deep into the genealogies and flips the script on the myth of “the original,” often touted as an artist’s singular autograph and guided by an inherent genius or talent, and asks instead: to what extent are our creations our own, and how do we even determine the dimensions of originality, or indeed, imagination?

This question is ever more urgent. On one hand, the rise of generative AI shifts image creation to a search operation, spitting out dreamlike, distorted and often nostalgic echoes of “original material.” And on the other hand, cultural hegemonies are fading, which challenges established conventions of character design as a universal visual language. While the world grows more multipolar, the long-standing dominance of Western pop culture iconography, the influence of Japanese Kawaii, or kitschy, exoticized portrayals of other cultures are all being questioned and reconsidered. Will we see a new era of multiple visual representation, or simply another wave of pictorial hegemonies?

The conference features an extended program of 25+ lectures, panels, animation screenings and workshops, and introduces a new wide range of networking sessions.

Pictoplasma Conference Berlin 2025

When?
May 1st to 4th, 2025

Where?
silent green Kulturquartier
Gerichtstraße 35, 13347 Berlin

Further information here.

Experimental Type 3.0

Posted on by Juliane Lipp

Following the success of the first two editions, Slanted Experimental Type 3.0 has evolved into an ongoing series, each edition exploring groundbreaking approaches in typography and graphic design.

The third edition, developed in collaboration with students from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts under the direction of Prof. Lars Harmsen and Andreas Ruhe, introduces entirely new content, pushing the boundaries of creative experimentation. When borders are drawn arbitrarily, they often disregard geographical, ethnic, or historical realities, sparking tension and conflict. While these themes might seem distant from typography, applying such reflections to design offers intriguing challenges. Designers often grapple with their role in a consumer-driven system, questioning the purpose of their work. Yet, they hold the power to choose projects, cross boundaries, and explore uncharted paths.

This project delves into design strategies that embrace accidents, imprecision, and unconventional methods, showcasing fonts born from unique concepts or systems. From AI-generated typefaces to variable fonts, Slanted Experimental Type 3.0 challenges norms and redefines the design process.

An invitation to venture into uncharted territory, shift perspectives, and question the lines we draw—both in design and beyond.

Slanted Experimental Type 3.0

Publisher: Slanted Publishers
Editors: Lars Harmsen, Andreas Ruhe & students of University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund
Design: Adelisa Ljesnjanin, Fabian Meyer, Franziska Prüsener, Jule Orlik, Nele Kreuger, Nihal Türkyilmaz, Tim Stange
Release: February 2025
Format: 16 × 24 × 1,7 cm
Volume: 288 pages
Language: English
Printing: Offset printing by Printmedien Solutions
Workmanship: Softcover with thread-stitching
ISBN: 978-3-948440-81-7
Price: € 22.–

Buy here

SEEN Around the World Symposium

Posted on by Linus Haug

The SEEN Around the World Symposium presents outstanding (female and non-binary) international designers who address current socially relevant issues and express their opinions using typographic means and innovative formats.

The 3-day symposium will be held from April 9th to 11th, 2025. During the Around the World Symposium, numerous international typographers and type designers from across the globe will gather to discuss and celebrate. The event is free to attend, with all talks taking place live at LUX Mainz. Additionally, all sessions will be livestreamed. The conference language will be English, moderated by Julia Kahl (Slanted Publishers), Anja Lutz, and Flávia Nalon.

UN/SEEN is a project dedicated to increasing the visibility of women in graphic design, focusing on the period between 1865 and 1919. By researching archives, enhancing Wikipedia articles, and organizing symposiums with contemporary women typographers, UN/SEEN aims to address the historical underrepresentation of female designers. The project also engages in broader discussions on gender, discrimination, and intersectionality in design, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the importance of the pre-Bauhaus era and applied arts in shaping design history. Through these efforts, UN/SEEN seeks to rewrite the history of design with a more inclusive perspective.

SEEN Around The World Symposium

When?
April 9th, 2025 to April 11th, 2025

Where?
LUX Mainz

Further information here.

Slanted × DASH Press

Posted on by Linus Haug

We’re excited to announce that our co-founder & CEO, Julia Kahl, will be joining DASH Press for an inspiring session and Type Talk! With her deep passion for design and years of experience, Julia will share insights into our latest typography publications—and perhaps even a design trick or two. 

Whether you’re a typography enthusiast, a design professional, or simply curious about the impact of design in our world, this event is not to be missed! Everyone from the Rhine-Main area, come by!

DASH is more than a bookstore—it’s a dynamic cultural space where literature, art, and ideas converge. With interactive installations, curated books, and thought-provoking events, DASH fosters exploration and challenges conventional thinking. Here, the written word meets tangible expressions of culture, from rare artifacts to contemporary art. Bridging tradition and innovation, DASH invites bibliophiles, creatives, and curious minds to engage with ideas, spark dialogue, and reimagine the world around them.

Slanted × DASH: Type Talk with Julia Kahl

When?
February 6th, 2025, 5pm

Where?
DASH Press
Fahrgasse 87, 60311 Frankfurt

All Aboard the Travel Zine

Posted on by gio.crise

How do you transform the fleeting details of a trip into a multilayered, immersive creative experience? Designer Giovanna Crise set out to answer that question with her newest project, a travel zine bridging the digital and the analog realms through visual storytelling and a multimedia approach. Inspired by her trip to South Korea, the Italian designer created the digital and the physical zine as a means to capture the ineffable: a multi sensorial experience revolving around the feeling of looking out of a train window.

The zine is structured around 5 chapters spanning architecture, markets, street views, people and the sea, playing on contrasts and looking beyond what meets the eye. Building upon an interactive experience, the project features special acetate pages reminiscent of the many layers of ads defining the Korean urban landscape, as well as custom Instagram filters that make the magazine come alive digitally. Drawing on her video and motion design background, Giovanna also created a digital version of the zine, adding an extra layer of accessibility and interaction. The one-page website is built with playfulness in mind: from moving cut-out statues to street-life characters, each reader can engage with the piece and craft their very own impression of a train ride from Busan.

From print to interactive design, Giovanna recreates an individual experience through an ultimately shared experience: constant motion, shifting focus and the fleeting details of a train ride across Korea come together to evoke a sense of constant wonder and a feeling that is constantly new. Designed for travelers and creative minds alike, the zine invites people to see the world—and their own experiences—through a different lens.

Giovanna is a multidisciplinary designer from Trieste, currently based in Torino. Passionate about storytelling, photography, and interactive design, her projects are at the intersection of culture and creativity. The Korea Travel Zine marks one of her most ambitious personal projects, blending editorial and digital design with an interactive approach. Currently, she works at illo.tv as a brand strategist, overseeing the studio’s image, social media, travel coordination, portfolio updates, and much more.

Further Information here.

European Design Awards 2025

Posted on by Linus Haug

The European Design Awards (ED-Awards), an award celebrating the regional distinctiveness of European communication design and its common foundations, is set to launch its 2025 edition!

A diverse jury spanning professionals from different disciplines such as publishers, journalists, editors, and academics annually honor the finest examples of communication design across Europe. This unique setup brings together individuals who curate and shape similar content daily. This provides participants with a valuable opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience through the media channels represented by the jury members.

The European Design Awards culminate in a festival hosted in a different city each year, concluding with the awards ceremony. This event creates an inspiring environment for the most creative minds in our community to connect, share ideas, gain inspiration, and celebrate excellence.

The submission period is now open and ends on February 14th, 2025.

Additionally, this year our co-founder & CEO, Julia Kahl, was a part of the Graphic Applications Jury alongside Étienne Hervy, Meret Ernst, Martin Jenča, Magdalena Heliasz, Onur Yazıcıgil and Barbara van Santen. You can learn more about Julia’s vision for European creativity and read the full interview here.

Further information here.

Experimental Type 3.0 Release Party

Posted on by Linus Haug

Join us for the release party of Experimental Type 3.0 and the exhibition of works from the course “Experimental Type” by Prof. Lars Harmsen and Andreas Ruhe at FH Dortmund! 

In this course, students from FH Dortmund developed projects that incorporated chance into the design process, works based on mistakes and imperfections, and typefaces emerging from concepts or systems—ultimately exploring experimental or unconventional approaches to design. A major outcome of this work became a significant part of the latest issue of Experimental Type 3.0, for which a team of students also collaborated on the editorial design.

The third edition, developed in collaboration with students from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts under the direction of Prof. Lars Harmsen and Andreas Ruhe, introduces entirely new content, pushing the boundaries of creative experimentation. When borders are drawn arbitrarily, they often disregard geographical, ethnic, or historical realities, sparking tension and conflict. While these themes might seem distant from typography, applying such reflections to design offers intriguing challenges. Designers often grapple with their role in a consumer-driven system, questioning the purpose of their work. Yet, they hold the power to choose projects, cross boundaries, and explore uncharted paths.

This project delves into design strategies that embrace accidents, imprecision, and unconventional methods, showcasing fonts born from unique concepts or systems. From AI-generated typefaces to variable fonts, Experimental Type 3.0 challenges norms and redefines the design process. It’s an invitation to venture into uncharted territory, shift perspectives, and question the lines we draw—both in design and beyond.

The results will be showcased in poster format on February 5th at ANNELISE in Dortmund, accompanied by drinks and music. You’ll also get a first look at the new Experimental Type 3.0—don’t miss it!

Experimental Type 3.0 Release Party

Where?
ANNELISE — Raum für Bücher und Bilder
Gneisenaustraße 30, 44137 Dortmund

When?
February 5th, 2025, 5pm

Molecular Typography Laboratory

Posted on by Linus Haug

Molecular Typography Laboratory by Kobi Franco is a speculative research project that delves into experimental typography, exploring the intersection of function versus aesthetics and content versus form. This study is based on the premise that Latin and Hebrew letters possess a molecular structure, exploring how this concept can be applied to alphabets and languages. It is an interdisciplinary endeavor that bridges the gap between design, science, and language.

The research is a deep and comprehensive exploration of the concept of “molecular typography.” It involves a series of over 150 tests, each designed as a structured “game” where Franco defines the rules, sets the stage, and selects the participants. These tests have led to the identification of 11 key themes: foundations, language, gender, formula, weight, 3D, gravitation, generative research, color, word play, and the relationship between type and image. 

The book features four illuminating essays that provide historical, cultural, and academic insights into typographic research and is accompanied by the website themtlab.com, offering additional animated and interactive content.

This is the first book to combine the similarities and components of Hebrew and Latin script based on years of research and experimentation!

CONTENT
— Inspiring visual representations of Latin and Hebrew letters.
— Methods and rules enabling a rhizomatic exploration of experimental typography.
— The project received the New York’s TDC awards.

ABOUT
Kobi Franco is a Tel Aviv based designer, researcher, curator, and the Head of the Master’s in Design Program at Shenkar College in Tel Aviv. He owns a leading studio specializing in design for culture and art. His work has been exhibited in a variety of exhibitions in Israel and around the world. The book Molecular Typography Laboratory is the result of five years of research in experimental typography. The project has been showcased in several exhibitions and has received numerous awards, including Typographic Excellence from New York’s Type Directors Club. 

Molecular Typography Laboratory

Publisher: Slanted Publishers
Author, Editor, Concept: Kobi Franco
Design: Kobi Franco
Release: January 2025
Format: 21 × 27 cm
Volume: 224 pages
Language: English, Hebrew
Printing: Offset printing with spot colors, NINO Druck
Bookbinding: Open thread-stitching with black thread, dust jacket
Paper: Munken Print White 1.5 115 g/sm (Inside), 300 g/sm (cover)
ISBN: 978-3-948440-79-4
Price: € 42.–

Buy here.

Anfachen Award IX

Posted on by Linus Haug

The Anfachen Award IX addresses a critical fracture point in democratic societies: privilege. The unequal distribution of opportunities, power, and resources ignites debates, shapes political party platforms, and threatens social cohesion—particularly in free societies. The award invites engagement with personal and collective experiences of privilege and prompts reflection on its implications in everyday life, political decision-making, and the global context. The submission deadline for the competition is April 16, 2025.

As in previous editions, a high-profile jury will select 25 winning designs from the submissions. These large-format posters will be displayed in prominent streets and public spaces in Hamburg starting June 17, 2025. Additionally, plans are underway for a touring exhibition of the posters through partnerships with cooperating organizations. Once again, the patron of the award is Klaus Staeck, renowned in Germany for his political poster art.

The jury members for the Anfachen Award IX are Agnieszka Węglarska (Poland), Birgit Lohmeyer (Germany), Nestory Thobias Owano (Tanzania), Yoav Perry (Israel), Marlis Zimmermann (Netherlands/Switzerland), 2x Goldstein (Germany), Maren Amini (Germany), Stas Kolotov (Ukraine), Dan Thy Nguyen (Germany)

Anfachen Award IX

Designs from around the world can be submitted until April 16th, 2025.

Further information here.

Nawal El-Saadawi / Two Women in One

Posted on by slanted-api

An experimental bilingual publication showcasing Nawal El-Saadawi’s book: Two Women in One. Saadawi was an Egyptian feminist writer who boldly addressed themes of gender inequality and the struggle for women’s rights. This publication was designed as part of the Typography and Editorial Design M.A. class at the Muthesius University in Kiel, Germany.

Echoes of Egypt

Posted on by slanted-api

As a ceramic artist, I interned at the Fayoum Pottery School to explore the connection between culture and craft. I studied techniques, local materials, and the timeless beauty of ancient Egypt. The resulting pieces bridge past and present, inspired by hieroglyphs, Arabic script, and unglazed surfaces that celebrate the region’s earthy tones.

The two photos capture Egypt: the fusion of tradition and urban hustle & its magical warmth.

“Echoes of the Unseen: A Journey Through the Layers of Creativity”

Posted on by slanted-api

“Malak Ezz’s art transcends the boundaries of design and emotion, weaving intricate layers of digital mastery with a deep, intuitive connection to the world around them. Each piece is a visual narrative, a fusion of creativity and purpose, inviting the viewer to explore the unseen, to feel the raw energy of innovation in every brushstroke and pixel.”

Seeking Self

Posted on by slanted-api

Seeking Self is an instant photography series that focuses on the intersectionality of culture and identity. The aim is to capture everything from everyday moments to extraordinary events and share them and encourage a collective experience. Seeking Self is the nostalgia and emotions of instant photography to time and place. Seeking Self connects people from around the world, inviting them to explore other cultures and share in the similarities between themselves and those from around the world.

Werkschau Hochschule Bielefeld 2024/25

Posted on by Paul_Ring

The students and Faculty of Design and Art at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts warmly invite you to the 2024/25 Werkschau exhibition!

Around 40 graduates will proudly present their Bachelor’s and Master’s projects, showcasing creativity and innovation in Digital Media and Experiment, Photography and Visual Media, Communication Design, and Fashion.

Come celebrate with us, and gain insights into the exciting work of our graduates. We’d love you to join us!

Werkschau Hochschule Bielefeld 2024/25

When?
Vernissage:
Friday, January 31st, 6 pm.

Exhibition:
Saturday, February 1st, 11 am – 6 pm.
Sunday, February 2nd, 11 am – 6 pm.

Where?
Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Faculty of Design and Art
Lampingstraße 3
33615 Bielefeld

Find more information here.

Design: Ina Batrov, Paul Ring, Lea Walz

May – خمسة و خميسة

Posted on by slanted-api

The design was created as part of a collaborative project to produce an Arabic 2025 calendar. The artist was responsible for the design of the fifth month (May), drawing inspiration from the number 5. This number is associated with a traditional Egyptian practice in which people say “Khamsa wa Khemesa” (خمسة و خميسة) accompanied by prayers, while holding both hands open in front of someone they believe may be envious. This gesture is a form of protection against the “evil eye” and jealousy.