Variable (typo)Graphy with Lena Weber
Ready to break the rules of typography? Turn variable fonts into a living, breathing design system in this intensive, two-day weekend workshop with designer and creative coder Lena Weber.
Upcoming workshop dates
Choose the session that fits your schedule. Live & online. We believe in the power of real-time collaboration, so no recordings—just hands-on learning. Limit: Strictly limited to 15 participants to ensure individual mentoring.
If you have any questions about the course, feel free to email us at franziska@schoolofsystems.org.
Date: Fri, 11 & Sat, 12 September 2026
Time: 17:00-20:00 CEST
Location: Live online, Google Meet
Please note: This workshop will not be recorded.
Language: English
Price: 250€ + VAT
About the workshop:
In two days, you will learn about Lena’s approach to variable font technology. You will work with animation within the variable font format and apply it in unexpected and experimental ways. From a few moving paths to an animated system, you will be able to explore the creative possibilities and be inspired by the limitations of the technology.
We will focus on shape alphabets, pattern generators, and moving form archives, transcending their typical use as readable fonts.
Day 1: Understanding the technology
In this session, we will focus on understanding variable font technology and how to set it up. You will learn about axes, masters, and interpolation. By learning how to debug, test, and control variable fonts, you will experiment and export your first file.
We will start viewing shapes as states of a system and be inspired by the technology’s quirks and possibilities.
Day 2: Developing a system
In this hands-on part, every participant will create their individual system of animated designs. Logo? Pattern? Letter? Flag? Shape? You will have full creative freedom.
The workshop ends with a group review of the animated systems.
Workshops are open to design students, design professionals, and curious creative minds of all ages and experience levels.
Outcome: By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with an animated exploration of variable font technology. With the knowledge gained in this workshop, you will be able to develop experimental variable fonts.
Required:
- A laptop (macOS)
- Glyphs (type design software, 30-day free trial)
- Enthusiasm for paths and possibilities
About Lena:
Lena Weber is a designer and creative coder, focusing on research and the development of design tools and typographic systems.
She is most interested in the intersection of art, technology, and philosophic theory and how they inspire visual communication. In her thesis „Ambiguous Aesthetics“ she explores the aesthetics of the coded and the digital.
