Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello, everybody! My name is Jackson Alves, and I’m a Brazilian designer, calligrapher, and lettering artist. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Apple, Coca-Cola, Montblanc, and Tiffany & Co. While my passion for letterforms has shaped my career, it’s interesting to note that I only began studying calligraphy in my 30s.
Nice to meet you!
When did you actually start drawing letters?
My love for letters began in school, long before computers were commonplace. I was often the go-to student for designing project covers, and I enjoyed mimicking other people’s handwriting. This constant experimentation meant I didn’t have a distinct handwriting style of my own—I was always trying something new. Looking back, those early moments clearly paved the way for my career in lettering.
Was there a key aha-moment in your lettering journey?
Yes, it happened during a lettering workshop I attended in 2010. The instructor created an incredible workshop cover design, full of intricate details and flourishes. While the workshop itself focused more on Photoshop effects than designing letters, seeing that handmade artwork sparked my desire to dive deeper into letterforms. From then on, I immersed myself in typography & calligraphy books, and began practicing rigorously to master the anatomy of letters—the contrast, structure, and flow. That was my "calligraphy fire" moment!
Why should folks care about making their own custom fonts?
Great question! With so many ready-made fonts available, one might wonder why to create something custom. To me, the answer lies in exclusivity and authenticity. A custom font is uniquely yours—it reflects your creativity and sets your work apart. Why settle for what others have when you can craft something truly original?
What advice do you have for people who wanna get started?
Think simple, start with a simple design, one weight, avoid going crazy on the first project or chances of never finishing it will be huge!
Don’t forget about the importance of study & practise. The longer you draw, the more you improve. This is true for many activities: invest time and you will definitely reap the rewards.
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What’s your experience like with font creation software?
I started making fonts in 2012 using FontLab before transitioning to Glyphs, which I still use today. On desktop, I’ve also incorporated Fontself Maker for Illustrator into my workflow, especially for simpler projects. For beginners, I always recommend Fontself because it’s incredibly intuitive and fast. While Glyphs offers advanced features for creating font families, Fontself is perfect for straightforward projects. Whether you’re just starting out or exploring professional-grade tools, both have their strengths.
What surprised you most about using the Fontself app on iPad?
Using Fontself on my tablet was a game-changer for me. Traditionally, creating fonts involves labor-intensive processes—adjusting curves, defining points, and perfecting each letter. But with Fontself on iPad, it felt magical. You can draw letters with an Apple Pencil, just like doing calligraphy, and watch them transform into a functional font almost instantly. It’s intuitive, powerful, and so much fun—truly a revolutionary tool for font design.
Any ritual that helps you get into the creative flow?
I wouldn’t call it a strict ritual, but I do have a warm-up process. I start by reviewing the project brief and gathering visual references. Then I doodle or work on unrelated sketches on my iPad until inspiration strikes. Once I’ve nailed the first sketch, I dive into the project fully focused, sometimes working for 2-3 days straight until it’s complete.
How do you handle creative block?
Creative blocks are normal, but I’ve found that putting pen to paper—or Apple Pencil to iPad—is the best way to overcome them. Even if my initial sketches aren’t great, they often spark new ideas when I revisit them later. Taking breaks and looking at references also help refresh my perspective. Believing in the process is key!
How do you see the lettering industry evolving in the next years?
With AI advancing rapidly, it’s hard to predict the future, but I think handmade processes will become even more important. While machines can create perfect letters, they lack the human touch and story behind the work. Sharing the making-of process and emphasizing the personal connection to your designs will distinguish artists from automated tools.
Which creatives would you find inspiring?
There are so many talented people in the field! I’ve learned a lot from great masters like John Stevens,
... and also from my friend Claudio Gil.
But young creatives also bring fresh perspectives. For instance, I admire Snooze One—he creates incredible videos and unique projects. Combining wisdom from experienced masters with the innovation of younger artists is how we push the boundaries of our work.
What music do you currently listen to?
I’m a big fan of movie soundtracks, so you’ll often find Hans Zimmer on my playlists. I also love listening to Cannons, The Weeknd, and Drake. Music sets the tone for creativity—just play what inspires you and let the magic happen!
One more thing...
Jackson created a gorgeous custom app icon & splash screen for Fontself on iPad. These easter eggs are exclusively available from his Instagram profile @letterjack. Check them out!
PS: wanna watch the whole interview in video, because why not?
