Welcome back!
This is the second episode in a 5-part guest lecture series, speaking with a diverse range of design and typography pros from across North America!
This episode features Chris Rouleau; an independent graphic designer, sign painter and lettering artist in Toronto. Along with his full-time freelance work, he is also a public speaker, lettering instructor, and published author, and his work has been featured in Spacing Magazine, Uppercase Magazine & Flare Magazine. He attended the Alberta College of Art & Design, and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. He received a Communication Arts Award of Excellence in Typography in 2018. He is also an instructor for the online tutorial website, Domestika. When Christopher isn't working, you'll probably see him sipping double espressos, or riding his bike around Toronto.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about Chris’ recent projects, the magic to be found in creative constraints, and helpful advice about where to find inspiration. You’ll hear about Chris’ typical process, his thoughts on how many is too many typefaces and advice for muralists looking to scale up and transfer designs onto a wall. Lastly, you’ll hear the role that failure plays in Chris’ process and what Chris is up to next.
You can find visuals and links discussed in the show notes at www.talkpaperscissors.info.
This episode was recorded as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 806 - Advanced Typography in winter 2025 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Let’s listen in…
About Our Guest:
Christopher Rouleau an independent graphic designer, sign painter and lettering artist in Toronto. Along with his full-time freelance work, he is also a public speaker, lettering instructor, and published author, and his work has been featured in Spacing Magazine, Uppercase Magazine & Flare Magazine. He attended the Alberta College of Art & Design, and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. He received a Communication Arts Award of Excellence in Typography in 2018. He is also an instructor for the online tutorial website, Domestika. When Christopher isn't working, you'll probably see him sipping double espressos, or riding his bike around Toronto.
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Music:
A Kwela Fella - John Bartmann licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License
Talk Paper Scissors Theme Music: Retro Quirky Upbeat Funk by Lewis Sound Production via Audio Jungle