How would you describe what you do?
We’re two graphic designers by trade, who, together, are The Local Type. Our mission is to discover (from small villages to large cities) lost or overlooked typography. We then curate what we find into an A to Z, making a unique set of characters; much like the places we visit. Our source images are digitised and designed to form an artwork that we screen print in limited editions at Colchester Makerspace. Each presents a social history of the local area through type – hence the name.
How did you get started in art/design?
Robbie: I loved drawing from an early age, probably like a lot of creatives. This artistic side, combined with my keen interest for Design & Technology at school, led to me pursuing a BTEC in Graphic Design at college. It was there I met a life-changing tutor who opened my eyes to what true graphic design and typography was. Next came a degree at Norwich University of the Arts where that love of design deepened. 25 years later, I'm a part-time lecturer at NUA and run my creative agency, House of Bert.
Billy: Apart from wanting to be a footballer, I think I’ve always known that I would pursue a creative career. From an early age, I loved drawing and making things. At school, I excelled in art class and loved Design & Technology, which led to taking A-Levels in Photography and Product Design. Still totally unaware of what graphic design was, I found myself gravitating towards the packaging, typography and logo of my product, rather than the product design itself. In my final year, my brilliant tutor introduced me to real graphic design and encouraged me to explore it further. Doing a degree at the University of Suffolk expanded my love of graphic design. Now I’m a freelance Graphic Designer with the goal of establishing my creative practice, Billy Fenton Associates.
What makes your work and/or process unique?
We’re not sure anything is truly unique – even the greatest art is inspired by what’s gone before. However, we believe what makes The Local Type special is taking something seemingly unremarkable, for example a hand-painted letter on a ‘No Cycling’ sign, and using our graphic designer’s eye to turn it into something remarkable. In short, we breathe new life into old relics.
What tips would you give to someone interested in starting what you do?
To be curious about the world around you and not worry about getting it ‘wrong’. Simply enjoy the process of making something, getting your hands dirty and learning a little something each time, until you create something that you love. From a more academic perspective – study Art and Design at school, then find a creative course to suit your passion. Where you’ll also meet like-minded people who will broaden your knowledge and cultivate opportunities.
What made you feel like, “yes this is something I want in my life?”
Historically – our mutual love as children for drawing and making things. Latterly – it was a desire to reconnect with these joys of youth and move away from the screen towards something tangible and real. This itch was scratched through a screen printing workshop with Katie Kennedy and a subsequent collective thought of ‘we need to do more of this’. Plus, in our eyes, nothing beats ink on paper.
If you have creative block where do you get inspiration?
Getting away from the aforementioned screen. It’s easy to go round in circles looking for a spark via social media or the like. But we find with creative blocks it’s always best to get out and about. Whether that’s a walk in nature or a run round the block – which really gets the blood pumping round the body. Although you might not immediately find the solution, you will feel better for doing it and create the headspace for something to take shape.
Where do you see yourself in the future with this journey? You want this to be long term?
The Local Type is very much at the start of its journey. We have lots of ideas and exciting plans for growing the project over the next 12 months and beyond. It’s the classic, ‘watch this space’.
Is there another artist/maker that you admire?
Three individuals have inspired The Local Type: 1) Anthony Burrill, the designer turned printmaker, for his typographic work. 2) Jim Sutherland, for his consistently playful graphic design. 3) Dan Mather, the artist and screenprinter, whose prints are exceptional.
Any exciting events/projects/experiences soon?
Yes there are! We’ll be conducting our first type workshops very soon, with students at a local school. We’ll go out together on a type hunt, bring back found letters and turn them into lino prints on coloured papers. Then, next month, we’re doing a talk in London to fellow lovers of letters about The Local Type. All whilst searching for more type, in more places and turning them into more screenprints.
Why is Colchester Makerspace important to you/your work?
The Local Type is about local types – the places and the people. In that regard, Colchester Makerspace is the perfect place to bring our ideas to life through print on paper. Plus, there’s vegetarian, plant-led restaurant Patch on your doorstep. Essentially, it’s all the Ps!
Some of Robbie and Billy’s pieces will be on display and available to buy from Saturday 8th March - next door in the neighbouring restaurant Patch. Please ensure you are onsite when placing order. To see more of their work - take a look at the socials below: