TYPO Talks: How is rhythm reflected in your work?

Gemma O’Brien: Writing and hand lettering is very much driven by rhythm, both aesthetically and the process of crafting it. The contrast and variation of brushstrokes in my work as well as the physical movement of the hand are a couple of ways rhythm is present in my work.

TT: How do you get into your creative rhythm?

GO: After having worked in larger creative companies doing the 9-5 thing, I know it doesn’t work for me. I like flexibility and freedom to go outdoors during the day and ride my bike or go for a swim. I will then work for at least 10 hours after the sun goes down… usually until about 4am. When I have the time and space to experiment and explore lots of ideas is when my creative rhythm is at its peak. Of course, with the reality of commercial deadlines, this isn’t always possible.

Gemma O’Brien

Illustrator, Typographer, Lettering Artist (Sydney)

Gemma O’Brien is an Australian artist specialising in hand-lettering, illustration and typography. She has created work for clients including Woolworths, QANTAS, Heinz, The New York Times, Volcom, Angus & Julia Stone, Monster Children, Smirnoff and Kirin.  Gemma has also worked in art direction for motion graphics at Animal Logic, Fuel VFX and Toby & Pete. In addition to commercial work, her artwork has been exhibited in numerous gallery shows and she hosts hand-lettering workshops across Australia. She has presented at design conferences including TYPO Berlin, TYPO San Francisco,  Semi Permanent,  agIdeas International Design Forum, and Typism. In her spare time she travels and illustrates puke-puns on airsick bags for The Spew Bag Challenge. Gemma is represented by The Jacky Winter Group and is a Volcom Womens Ambassador for creative and art based projects.

Speaker page

TT: What speakers are you most looking forward to meeting or hearing talk at TYPO SF?

GO: I find myself wanting to retweet almost every single one of Brain Picking’s tweets so I’d have to say Maria Popova.

TT: If you haven’t visited SF before, what are you most looking forward to experiencing? If you are familiar with San Francisco, do you have a favorite hangout?

GO: I’ve briefly been once before a few years ago so I’m exciting to come back and spend a bit more time in San Fran. I do remember a guy sitting at Haight Ashbury typing love poems on his typewriter. The ultimate hipster! I’m keen to do some hiking but I’m up for all kinds of adventures so hit me up with your suggestions!

TT: What’s your favorite typeface and why?

GO: Given that it was the story behind this typeface that sparked a further interest in typography and became my moniker for my blog, it has to be Mrs Eaves!

Register today to see Gemma O’Brien and all of our inspirational speakers at TYPO San Francisco 2014.