Could you introduce yourself and share your creative journey?
Hello! My name is Karin Newport, and I’m deeply passionate about helping people unleash their creativity with iPads. I design Procreate brushes, create practice sheets, and occasionally dabble in art fonts. You can find my tutorials on my YouTube channel.
Growing up in Switzerland, I was immersed in the Swiss design ethos and strong typography culture—Helvetica is synonymous with Switzerland! My father fueled my passion early by gifting me a computer equipped with CorelDRAW. I spent hours experimenting with fonts, creating custom labels for schoolbooks. Typography was my gateway into a world of creativity, even though I wasn’t naturally inclined toward drawing.
What sparked your love for creating custom fonts?
Initially, computers made typography feel sleek and professional, but over time, I missed the charm of imperfection that comes with handmade designs. That’s why I adore crafting fonts that feel authentic and organic. It’s deeply satisfying to see your handwriting transformed into reusable letters, and the learning curve is manageable for anyone eager to explore their creative side.
My first font project emerged when I needed a sharp logo for print. Rather than relying on a JPEG, we created a glyph—a fascinating yet complex process back then. Fontself, a plugin for Illustrator, made it much easier later, and discovering Fontself on iPad was a game-changer. Now, I can design fonts anywhere, enjoying a blend of creativity and mobility.
What was your first impression of Fontself on iPad?
The ease of use stood out immediately—there’s almost no learning curve. The brushes, in particular, are phenomenal, which was a pleasant surprise for someone familiar with brush design. Additionally, the app’s features echo Illustrator’s workflow, making it intuitive and enjoyable for seasoned designers like myself.
How do you kickstart your creative process?
Brainstorming is my go-to. Inspiration is everywhere—whether it’s nature, urban landscapes, or even a drive around town. I start with a mood board to avoid the intimidating blank page and build from there.
How do you overcome creative blocks, especially with deadlines looming?
Deadlines can be daunting, but I’ve learned to embrace imperfection. Allowing myself to create “bad work” often leads to breakthroughs. There’s a fascinating study where participants tasked with quantity over quality ended up producing the most beautiful results. That philosophy drives me to keep iterating and trust the process.
Where do you see the typography and lettering industries heading?
We’re at an exciting crossroads where technology enhances, rather than replaces, handmade artistry. Artificial Intelligence, for instance, helps automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for what truly matters—creative exploration. Tools like ChatGPT have been invaluable in streamlining my workflow, but the human touch remains irreplaceable.
Who inspires you in the world of typography?
Ryan Hamrick is one of my heroes. I had the privilege of meeting him at a Typism conference and attending his workshop. He’s a masterful artist and storyteller, and I highly recommend checking out his work.
What’s your ultimate creative anthem?
I don’t typically listen to music while working, but if I need a motivational boost, I turn to Unstoppable by Sia. It’s the perfect track to channel unstoppable energy.
One more thing...
Karin created a gorgeous custom app icon & splash screen for Fontself on iPad. These easter eggs are exclusively available from her Instagram profile @ipadlettering. Check them out!
PS: wanna watch the whole interview in video, because why not?
