Interview: Eduardo Recife (from MisprintedType)

Eduardo Recife was a great inspiration source for me when I first started doing graphics. In my opinion he started something new when he published the first MisprintedType website. You see a lot of his font used in designs out there in the world. That's why I was very pleased to do an interview with him. And it goes like this:

Visit MisprintedType.com for loads of illustrations, drawings and free stuff like fonts and brushes.

1. First of all we would like to thank you for taking the time to provide abduzeedo.com with this interview. Please tell us more about your art and design background and what made you invent Misprinted Type?

Back in 1997 I started to create my own typefaces for my personal use. Somehow I figure it would be a good idea to distribute them online so other people could use them aswel. So I named it "Misprinted Type" after the name of my very first typeface. At this same time period I started to play with handmade collages and some digital art, so I created a section for my experiments aswel... I had no prior artistic education, I learned everything from trial and error. I used to expend most of my time experimenting with collages, paint, textures and playing with fonts and photoshop.

2. Your work is pretty unique and full of creativity. Where does your inspiration come from?

Its so hard to speak about inspiration. Im often surprised with ideas without any apparent reason. But if I could say the biggest source of inspiration it would definitely be life and everything that crosses my mind. My work is somehow a way for me to filter all information I received (thoughts, feelings,etc) arrange it and put it on paper. But yes, of course other pieces of artworks, illustrations, photographs can be inspiring...

3. Could you describe for us your typical 'start to finish' workflow when working on a design?

I usually have an idea/concept in mind. After that I start collecting materials to work with. Usually I do not sketch. I rather have a formless idea in my mind, gather lots of images that somehow relate to the concept and start playing with them. The reason I do not sketch is because most times its very frustrating trying to find such specific images in order to make the sketch work; and it also limits the unexpected and spontaneity of the process of creation.

4. What are your tools of the trade, both hardware and software?

I have an Imac 24". And I use mostly photoshop, illustrator and fontlab.

5. What, for you personally are the pros and cons of being a designer?

Im actually working more as an illustrator these days.... But the pros is that you can have a regular income and have the chance to work with some interesting projects and clients. The cons is that it consumes the free time I would have to work on my personal projects (drawings, collages, fonts, photography, etc...). Im trying more and more to focus my energy towards my personal works.

6. How does your job as an artist and designer influence your life? Do you feel that you see things around you differently for example?

Well, I usually think its the opposite. Seeing things around me differently makes possible for me to work as an artist and designer.

7. What are your favourite 5 websites, and why?

ffffound.com so many things to see all day.
WoosterCollective see whats happening in street art.
ProcessRecess.com I really like James Jean's work.
Amazon.com I just love books.
MyFonts.com always handy when looking for some specific type.

8. What are your favourite 3 serif and 3 san serif fonts?

Adobe Caslon, New Baskerville and Requiem. Helvetica, Accidenz and Akkurat.

9. Once again , thank you very much for the interview. As a final word, do you have any tips for upcoming artists and designers?

Dont give up!

} MisprintedType.com } EduardoRecife.com } Flickr.com/photos/eduardorecife