TYPEFACE DESIGN
2025 2024 2023
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
DHWANI GARG
LEARNICA
INSTAGRAM
WEBSITE
Learnica is a contemporary revival of early 20th-century American schoolbook typefaces, drawing inspiration from the pragmatic warmth of ATF’s Schoolbook Oldstyle and the sturdy legibility of Century Schoolbook. Originally designed for textbooks and classroom printing, these typefaces balanced classical proportions with simplified detailing to support young readers. Learnica carries that legacy forward with softened contrast, wide counters, and an even rhythm that enhances readability across sizes. While rooted in historical models shaped by pedagogical intent, this reinterpretation updates their clarity and tone for modern use—gentle, approachable, and smartly readable.
Learnica type specimen by Dhwani Garg
Schoolbook Oldstyle type specimen by American Type Founders Company
Schoolbook Oldstyle type specimen by American Type Founders Company
Learnica character set by Dhwani Garg
Learnica letter specimens by Dhwani Garg
Learnica special character specimens by Dhwani Garg
Learnica type specimen book by Dhwani Garg
Learnica 8-22 pt body specimen by Dhwani Garg
Learnica body specimen by Dhwani Garg
TYPEFACE DESIGN
2025
2024
2023
INSTRUCTOR
Christopher Sleboda
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Amanda Mundy (2025), Ash Wei (2024)
DESIGN
Erica Pritchett · Built with Cargo
ABOUT
This site documents student work from an advanced typeface design course taught by Christopher Sleboda and open to students in the MFA Graphic Design and BFA Graphic Design programs at Boston University, as well as students in the School of Visual Arts—including those in the new Visual Narrative MFA. The course provides a rigorous introduction to the conceptual and technical processes involved in creating original digital typefaces. Students explore the foundations of letterform construction—including structure, proportion, counterform, spacing, and rhythm—while developing their own typefaces.
Through research, sketching, and the use of digital tools like RoboFont, students engage with typographic history and contemporary practice to design functional and expressive typefaces. Each student produces a working font and a printed type specimen. This site showcases the results of that work, reflecting diverse design approaches and a deep engagement with the craft of type design.