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174: Designing with Type for the Entertainment Industry with Chris Ellinas



My Advanced Typography class this semester dared to go where no Advanced Typography class has gone before... it was our most ambitious field trip to date, across the Atlantic Ocean four times in a single class!


This episode is the first in a 5-part guest lecture series, speaking with type professionals all over the world, from Greece to Toronto to Nigeria, back to Toronto to finally to the UK, it was a trip of Eras Tour proportions. 


We learned about designing for major streaming services, as well as what it’s like to draw hundreds of unique letters and alphabets. We heard about the ways in which Nigerian type is uniquely bold and expressive, practical how-to’s for designing typographic chalk murals and finally the importance of communicating your personal values to better attract the clients and work that matter most to you. 


Buckle up because the first stop on our world tour is Athens, Greece! 


Chris Ellinas is a versatile professional fuelled by a passion for design thinking and creative problem-solving. His journey in the industry has seen him collaborate with leading brands such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon, where he's crafted logos and motion graphics that resonate with global audiences. Beyond his creative endeavors, Chris is dedicated to sharing his expertise through empowering fellow creatives to reach new heights in their careers.


In this episode, you’ll hear Chris discuss what it’s like recreating design assets for the entertainment industry, including the tools he relies on across multiple languages (4000 assets and counting!).


You’ll also learn about Chris’ digitally nomadic lifestyle, the favourite places he’s lived and worked, as well as a rapid fire Q&A from students. The episode ends with a beautiful story and important lesson that all creatives should hear about passion projects turning into something bigger than themselves. 


This episode was recorded as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 806 - Typography in winter 2024 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.


Let’s listen in…


Links to Chris' work:







About Our Guest:


Chris Ellinas is a versatile professional fuelled by a passion for design thinking and creative problem-solving. With a background spanning Graphic Design, Video Production, and Mentorship, Chris thrives on crafting visually compelling solutions that leave a lasting impact. His journey in the industry has seen him collaborate with leading brands such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon, where he's crafted logos and motion graphics that resonate with global audiences. A true digital nomad at heart, Chris embraces a lifestyle of travel, seamlessly blending work and exploration as he traverses the globe. Beyond his creative endeavors, Chris is dedicated to sharing his expertise through empowering fellow creatives to reach new heights in their careers. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a knack for storytelling.




Music: Bouncy Gypsy Beats by John Bartmann, Licensed Under CC0 1.0 Universal


Talk Paper Scissors Theme Music: Retro Quirky Upbeat Funk by Lewis Sound Production via Audio Jungle


Boat Origami Photo: Boat Origami Photo by Alex on Unsplash

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