The Type Design Development Workshop is a ten-week online workshop run by Type Electives and led by Libbie Bischoff, from 3 February to 7 April 2027. It is built entirely around critique: there are no lectures, and you bring an early or mid-stage typeface of your own. Every other Wednesday the small group meets on Zoom for a two-hour feedback session, 6 to 8 pm EST, with an optional office hour in the weeks between. There are 12 seats, places are given by application, and the fee is $400 on acceptance.

Many type designers reach a point where the hard part is not learning new techniques but keeping a project moving. A typeface can sit half-finished for months without someone to look at it regularly. This workshop is designed for that situation. Instead of teaching a syllabus, it gives you a fixed rhythm of feedback from an instructor and peers, so your own project, rather than a set exercise, is the subject of every session.

What You Will Learn

Because the workshop is critique-based, what you learn depends on the typeface you bring. Across the ten weeks you can expect to:

Present your typeface in progress to a small group
Receive regular feedback from the instructor and other participants
Learn to give useful critique on other people's type
Set goals between sessions and show progress every two weeks
Use the optional office hours for specific problems
Move an unfinished project closer to completion

Who Is the Type Design Development Workshop For?

The official page describes two kinds of participant. The first is anyone with an unfinished typeface who needs support to keep going. The second is someone who has finished a type design programme and misses having regular feedback on their work.

It is not suited to complete beginners. You need a typeface already started, at an early or middle stage, before the first session. If you have never designed a font, a shorter introductory class, such as the Type Electives Crash Course in Revival Type Design, is a better first step.

Workshop Structure

The workshop runs over ten weeks in spring 2027:

Dates: Wednesdays, 3 February to 7 April 2027
Feedback sessions: two hours every other Wednesday, 6 to 8 pm EST
Office hour: optional, in the weeks between feedback sessions
Format: live on Zoom, critique only, no lectures
Group size: 12 seats

How to Apply

Entry to the Type Design Development Workshop is by application. Applications sent before 11 January 2027 are given priority, so apply early if you want the best chance of a seat. See the official page for how to apply. The $400 fee is paid once you are accepted.

Price and Access

The workshop costs $400, payable on acceptance rather than when you apply. Type Electives also offers scholarships, which may help if the fee is a barrier. Check the official page for the current price and any changes to the schedule.

About the Instructor and the School

Libbie Bischoff leads the workshop and also teaches the Crash Course in Revival Type Design at Type Electives. Type Electives is an online school co-founded by Lynne Yun and Juan Villanueva. It runs live online classes in type design, lettering and creative technology.

Things to Consider

Project: have a typeface at an early or mid stage ready; this is a requirement, not a suggestion.
Rhythm: feedback comes every two weeks, so plan your drawing time between sessions.
Time zone: sessions are at 6 pm EST; check your local time before applying.
Software: the official page does not specify a font editor, so ask Type Electives if you are unsure.
Deadline: aim for the priority date of 11 January 2027.
Group: with 12 seats, you will see a range of projects, which is part of the learning.

Apply to the Workshop

Interested in learning with Type Electives?

Apply to the Type Design Development Workshop

For the full details and application form, visit the official Type Electives website.

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Last verified: November 12, 2026

Type Design Development Workshop by Type Electives