Interview with typographer Paul Nolan
Paul Nolan has paved a career as a custom letterer and typographer for Australian and international brands. After an extended hiatus designing for some of Australia’s biggest brands in Melbourne, it’s a delight to say he’s now back living in Brisbane.
With a seriously long list of accolades from BAD, AGDA and PICA—Paul’s work definitely stands out. His custom lettering for the Play Melbourne campaign won Silver for Best of Typography in 2011 Melbourne Art Directors awards.
Recently, Paul completed a project for Nestle (Plaistowe products) where his type of work was moulded out of rubber and photographed. He adds that this kind of breaking-the-mould kind of work is definitely interesting and he’d like to explore more projects that push the boundaries.
Paul didn’t just start as a typographer. He has many solid years in design and illustration behind him. This led to him searching for a better work-life balance, and to produce work he was professionally and personally proud of. So really, his experience in design has helped craft the stunning typography work he is producing today.
And, Paul has jumped on board as a part-time lecturer at the Design College Australia, so he’s looking forward to sharing some of his knowledge with students there.
Visit Paul’s Behance profile for more of his stunning work or to get in touch.
How have you got to where you are today?
I was fortunate to be mentored as a junior and experienced a brilliant environment and way of working conducive to creativity. This experience, I believe established the foundation for this to be a lifestyle for me and not just a paycheck. In saying that, it’s a reference point for me to make comparisons.
I have done much time in some of Australia’s very best studios, but for me, working full time in mainstream studios has changed over the years and not for the best in my opinion and big money can only hold your attention for so long. So approximately 4 years ago now I made the move.
At the very time I was making my change, I was surprised to learn that the Americans labelled creatives like me as “Transitionists”.
It was nice to hear other creatives with similar years of experience going through the same experiences, and developing similar lifestyle outcomes. I have since developed a network of Transitionist designers and creatives from around the globe!
Simply put, you get out is what you are prepared to put in! It’s taken a lot of hard work to this point and I am still not where I want to be, but what I do is not a job to me, it’s my lifestyle.
Tell me about your typography design. How did you get into this niche? Or when did you realise that you wanted to do more of this kind of illustration?
It was a natural deviation for me. As I am a strong advocate of ‘live what you love’, I made a conscious decision to identify the one thing which comes completely innate to me, type work, and make it my focus with design.
Left: Custom lettering for Just Us Magazine. Right: Picky Bastards Broo.
In a few words, describe yourself…
Passionate and completely obsessed especially when it comes to my type work and design!
What are you spending your time on at the moment?
My time is generally split between commercial work and private work, for various shows. I am working on a new clothing brand at the moment which is also very exciting! If there are any manufacturers or producers looking for a collaboration give me a buzz! Oh, if I didn’t have any spare time I have just agreed to spend some time at Design College Australia doing some lecturing also!
Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?
I don’t tend to get the interruptions I would in a mainstream studio so focussing on the job at hand is easier especially if I am well stocked with tracing paper, clutch pencil leads, coffee, and or wine. Oh, I shouldn’t forget music playing is an important ingredient, it is a necessary daily companion.
What or who inspires you?
I am in awe of the custom typographers and designers of the past as they were incredibly talented, possessing the most amazing hand skills. As a result I have quite the collection of books, especially vintage reference.
I am a creature of habit and am inspired by things of beauty. That doesn’t just mean shiny and new, old and distressed share the same value to me. I spend many hours rummaging through antique and second-hand stores for gold!
I gravitate to like-minded people from all professions be it art, music, design, furniture, fashion, food, architecture, coffee, wine, etc. I have a broad network of people from all walks of life I regard as inspirators some of which are friends but all of whom inspire me in their own unique ways! If your work exudes passion and craft it will resonate with me and I will be inspired! Especially today, I have to say!
What are you most proud of?
As a designer it’s always a buzz to see your work circulating in the stratosphere, be it a brand or product. As the creator, you have invested much time and energy and passion, and a sense of pride or ownership is always associated with it.
I approach every project like this. I am an ardent believer, every project you do is a reflection of you!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a speed racer or the boy who controlled Gigantor (the space-age robot) very cool, but not a lot of work out there for either of them, so I am glad I was always encouraged to draw and paint really!
