James Grieshaber went to the Rochester Institute of Technology and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. He worked as an Art Director for advertising agencies and a newspaper, and was a staff designer for P22 Type Foundry, where he designed fonts and helped establish the International House of Fonts brand. In 2001 he started his own type design studio, Typeco. James has designed and co-edited the Indie Fonts book series, and has been honored with awards of Excellence in Type Design from Association Typographique International (AtypI), TypeArt2005 and the Tokyo Type Directors Club.
Q&A with James Grieshaber
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done? Recently, I got to make one plate in Charlie Trotter’s kitchen. And while in Mexico, I swam with the fishes at a Cenote, believed to be the entrance to the Mayan Underworld.
What inspires your designs? Nature, history, hand-lettering, graffiti, and the whole graphic environment we live in.
What city do you call home? Chicago is my current home. I would absolutely recommend the architectural river cruise—it is a spectacular introduction to the city and its history. And, of course, have a good meal… my current picks are Publican or Hot Chocolate.
What is your most prized possession? I place less and less stock in possessions. I do collect books on typography, but short of a few signed editions, there is nothing that can’t be replaced. But what I cherish most of all is my wife—sharing life with her is the most prized thing I can think of.
Tell us about your wedding. In the winter of early 2002, my wife and I were married in an extremely simple ceremony. We had a very small reception where our great friend, an accomplished chef, decided to cater one of the most spectacular meals we have ever had.
Where did you honeymoon and why? We honeymooned in the not so exotic location of Stowe, Vermont. We chose this location because we could do all the things we like to do together… playing in the snow, pancake breakfasts, snuggling up by our own private wood fire in our room.
Describe the place where you design. My studio is a room in my apartment. I am surrounded by all my books, type samples and typographic artifacts that inspire me. My dog keeps me company and distracts me at times.
What are your favorite colors of the moment? I’ve been liking espresso for a while now. Mesa and wine are current favorites, too.
What were the colors of your childhood? Periwinkle, Burnt Orange, Aquamarine, Red Violet, Cornflower, Green Yellow, Chartreuse, Yellow Green, Thistle, and pretty much the rest of the 64 colors.
What’s on or in your nightstand? A lamp, a candle in a votive, a cherry wood modern version of a mini grandfather moon phase clock, letterpress coaster for the night water, and a book—While You Were Reading by Gerard Unger.
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