Throughout this course, participants will deepen their understanding of the fundamental concepts of typographic composition, enabling them to grasp the technical constraints that lie at the origins of the history of design. Through the use of the composing stick and other typographic materials and tools, participants will be challenged to explore the plastic and modular potential of movable type — in lead and wood — as well as the expressiveness of lines and classical ornaments.

The process continues with experimentation on the printing press, where the choice of paper, the preparation of the ink and the pressure applied transform each composition into a unique object. Beyond technical learning, this workshop is also an invitation to visual experimentation, encouraging participants to discover new graphic languages by navigating between the “rigour” and the “error” of the typographic impression. In the end, each participant will have worked through the complete printing cycle, from composing the text “in reverse” to producing the final printed proof, celebrating the spirit and texture of manual craftsmanship.

Fully funded course: exemption from tuition fees, registration, and insurance. A €25,00 fee is required to reserve a place, which will be refunded upon completion of the course.

For information on applications, admission or scholarships at ESAD, the Administrative Services team is available to assist by email or telephone, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00 (in August, morning opening is at 9:00).

This project is funded by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), under the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative, supporting innovation, skills development and sustainable growth.