CAPTN OffScript (previously The Type Convo) is where bold creatives go unscripted.
Hosted by Alen, a type designer and creative founder behind SilverStag Type Foundry, the podcast dives into real, raw conversations with the people behind the work. Designers, founders, illustrators, storytellers, and makers who’ve carved their own paths.
No scripts. No filters. No fluff. Just honest talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between.
New episodes weekly. Come aboard and go OffScript.
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CAPTN OffScript (previously The Type Convo) is where bold creatives go unscripted.
Hosted by Alen, a type designer and creative founder behind SilverStag Type Foundry, the podcast dives into real, raw conversations with the people behind the work. Designers, founders, illustrators, storytellers, and makers who’ve carved their own paths.
No scripts. No filters. No fluff. Just honest talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between.
New episodes weekly. Come aboard and go OffScript.
39. Obsessed with Letters: Ian Barnard on Mastery, Mistakes & Making Fonts
CAPTN OffScript
1 hour 8 minutes
5 months ago
39. Obsessed with Letters: Ian Barnard on Mastery, Mistakes & Making Fonts
<p>What do you do when your wife is watching Downton Abbey, your newborn needs feeding, and your creative spark is burning out?</p><p>If you’re Ian Barnard—you pick up a “Calligraphy for Dummies” book and unknowingly set yourself on a path that leads to Creative Market bestsellers, fonts spotted in Starbucks, and a global community of lettering lovers.</p><p>In this episode, Ian shares how his journey from a local graphic designer to an international lettering artist wasn’t driven by trends or flashy success—but by daily practice, small bets, and staying curious.</p><p>We talk about:<br> • The early days of learning calligraphy with zero experience<br> • Building a thriving digital product business without losing the love for the craft<br> • Making fonts that people actually use—and one that accidentally went viral<br> • Teaching vs. creating vs. resting (and why Ian needs all three)<br> • Parenting, faith, and finding balance as a one-man creative studio</p><p>This is one of those conversations that reminds you why you started—and why it’s worth continuing, even when no one’s watching.</p><p>🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.</p><p>👉 Check out Ian’s work on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ianbarnard/">@ianbarnard</a></p><p>🌐 Explore his products, courses, and fonts at: <a href="https://www.ianbarnard.net">www.ianbarnard.net</a></p>
CAPTN OffScript
CAPTN OffScript (previously The Type Convo) is where bold creatives go unscripted.
Hosted by Alen, a type designer and creative founder behind SilverStag Type Foundry, the podcast dives into real, raw conversations with the people behind the work. Designers, founders, illustrators, storytellers, and makers who’ve carved their own paths.
No scripts. No filters. No fluff. Just honest talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, reinvention, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between.
New episodes weekly. Come aboard and go OffScript.
