Recap: TypeParis Now26

On June 7, 2026, TypeParis welcomed designers, typographers, publishers, and students from around the world for Now26, its annual conference dedicated to contemporary typography. Hosted in Paris’s 15th arrondissement and moderated by Jean François Porchez, Rachel Gogel, Friedrich Althausen, Carolina Laudon, and Véronique Marrier from the French Ministry of Culture, the event brought together an international lineup of speakers whose work spans type design, branding, publishing, research, and social engagement.

A recurring theme throughout the day was the growing complexity of contemporary type design. David Quay, Hélène Marian and Léon Hugues presented ambitious typographic systems that pushed beyond conventional notions of type, demonstrating how letterforms can operate within larger visual structures and adaptable frameworks. Their projects revealed typography as a living system—capable of evolving, responding, and generating new forms of communication.

Equally compelling were the personal stories shared on stage. Astrid Stavro and Marie Carrasco reflected on their individual journeys into design, speaking candidly about the uncertainties and discoveries that shaped their careers. Rather than following traditional pathways, both described how intuition, persistence, and a willingness to experiment ultimately led them toward internationally recognized practices.

The relationship between typography and identity emerged as another central topic. Tobias Frere-Jones and Mathieu Réguer offered in-depth insights into the development of large-scale custom type projects. Through detailed case studies, they demonstrated the strategic and cultural impact type can have when it becomes an integral part of a broader visual identity system.

Beyond questions of form and function, the conference also addressed the social and political dimensions of design. Flavia Zimbardi and Özge Güven drew on experiences from their respective cultural contexts to discuss how design can engage with pressing social issues. Their talks explored the potential of typography and visual communication as tools for advocacy, education, and cultural dialogue, highlighting the responsibilities and opportunities designers face in an increasingly interconnected world.

The day concluded with a lively discussion on independent publishing featuring Julia Kahl, co-founder of Slanted Publishers, alongside John Walters of Eye Magazine, Elliot Jay Stocks, and Éditions B42’s Alexandre Dimos. Together they examined the realities of producing independent publications today, addressing questions of financial sustainability, editorial independence, audience development, and the continued relevance of print within a rapidly changing media landscape. The conversation underscored the importance of maintaining diverse publishing voices and creating platforms for critical design discourse.

For many attendees, the experience extended beyond the conference itself. The following day offered workshops that transformed discussion into practice. A type design session was led by Ulrike Rausch of LiebeFonts and Georg Seifert, founder of Glyphs. Participants were guided through developing original typefaces within a remarkably short timeframe, moving between playful experimentation and technical precision. Along the way, they explored OpenType features, variable fonts, color fonts, and even had the opportunity to test new Glyphs features that have not yet been publicly released.

As with previous editions, Now26 succeeded not only as a platform for presenting work but also as a space for meaningful exchange between generations, disciplines, and perspectives. More than a showcase of individual achievements, the conference highlighted the vibrant and evolving nature of contemporary typography, demonstrating how deeply type continues to shape the ways we communicate, publish, and engage with the world around us.

Find elaborate interviews with speakers of Now26 and tickets for next years conference on typeparis.com.