Hi-Res Ryan Starr

Thom Niessink is a Dutch graphic designer focused on lettering, type design and illustration. Throughout his career he developed a true passion for typography and custom lettering. Inspired by vintage magazines, signs and postcards from the 50’s and 60’s, his way of working is almost completely digital, using the iPad as a digital sketchbook. Combining retro and contemporary letterforms with subtle paper textures and color pallets he creates appealing compositions with a consistent typographic rhythm. Thom joins the show for a conversation about adjusting to freelance lifestyle, finding inspiration for a typeface from a sign for his great grandfather's vegetable and fruit shop and what television shows he's currently binging while he works.   

Alanna Flowers is the lettering artist and designer behind AGF Design Studio. She creates engaging work for brands like Adobe, American Greetings and The Los Angeles Times. When she’s not creating for clients she’s busy helping fellow creatives who are interested in learning about lettering, digital art, and freelance through her YouTube channel and Instagram. Alanna joins the show for a conversation about the publication of her first book “Love Letters: An Alphabet of Affirmations,” as well as using her lettering to open up larger conversations on topics and causes that matter to her. Plus, Alanna and Ryan bond over being “yearbook nerds.”

Dan Lee is a hand lettering artist and graphic designer who’s always chasing ways to tell better stories and to work with creative people who are passionate about excellence. Raised right here in Philadelphia, Dan actually got a dual Bachelors & Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University, but his love for drawing could not be contained and instead he forged a career in design that has taken him from Philly to Wyoming. Dan joins the show to discuss creating compositions, why it’s important to share your processes and — as we coin it in this episode — “The Lee Equation.”

Jessica Hische has had an extraordinary career as a lettering artist, designer, illustrator, author and as of last fall, store owner. She’s collaborated with established brands to reinvigorate their logos. She’s worked with the likes of Wes Anderson and Dave Eggers. She’s written several books including In Progress —  which gave a glimpse inside her sketchbook and provided her detailed process from lettering sketches to final product — as well as her children’s books “Tomorrow I Will Be Brave” and “Tomorrow I Will Be Kind.” Her newest book, “My First Book of Fancy Letters” is coming out this fall from Penguin Random House. Jessica joins the podcast for the first episode of the Lettering Series to talk about her new book, her process for refreshing logos and being present in her local community.  

The new season of Hi-Res starts this Tuesday March 5th, and for this season we’re going to be doing things a little differently: six episodes over the next twelve weeks dedicated entirely to the art of hand lettering. We’re going to be talking with hand lettering artists from around the world. Folks like Jessica Hische, Dan Lee and Alanna Flowers, just to name a few. Plus, long-time friend of the show Jay Roeder will be joining Ryan as co-host throughout the season. Follow Hi-Res on your podcasting platform of choice or visit HiResPod.com to listen. This season is brought to you by Typism.  

Calan is back on the show to talk about her CLIO award-winning short film "Black Women Are Resting" as well as her new book "Edwin Eats an Edible" and more.