W TYPE FOUNDRY: WHO WE ARE
The team at W first came together in 2016 as a result of a shared interest in design and typography and a similar social and political outlook on the market that combines the two. It consisted of Magdalena (Bana), Diego and Patricio (Pato), with David (Deivid) joining the team later. From the beginning, our goal has been to create typefaces that combine current trends and quality to meet design and usability standards.
Our desire to continue learning led the team to separate geographically and operate from Santiago, London and Barcelona. Today, W Type Foundry is one of the most relevant foundries in its region, with a clear international, multidisciplinary, integrating and educational approach to type design. Organizing the 8th Latin American Typography Biennial in 2018 broadened our horizons and encouraged us to take on new challenges.
Our vision for the future 🎱
At W Type Foundry [WTF], we develop detail-oriented projects independently, whether self-commissioned or custom ordered, with a contemporary style and a keen sense of current market trends.
We know the importance of sharing our work with other designers and of collectively exploring letters not merely as shapes but as structures that generate meaning while functioning as the building blocks of an eventual new product. This is why we employ a horizontal working structure, with regular invitations to collaborate with other designers, and part of our catalog is free to download.
Magdalena Arasanz — Bana 🍌
An advertising professional and graduate in Typeface Design from the University of Chile. In charge of bringing order to ideas, numbers and licenses.
"What I like most about W is that it is an open, free and safe space, a hotbed of ideas, plans and projects where we all have fun. All team members are different, but we have ideas and ambitions in common. That makes everything click".
Diego Aravena — 👨🏻💻
A graphic designer and graduate in Typeface Design from Universidad de Chile, of which he was also a teacher. Always willing to teach and to strengthen the bonds between team members and collaborators.
"At W, we are not driven by short-term success. We keep our feet on the ground. We are different in many ways and sometimes we clash, but, as in any relationship, we acknowledge, protect and listen to each other with respect and freedom".
Patricio González — Pato 🦆
A designer with studies in arts and design research, and graduate in Typeface Design from the University of Chile, where he also taught. He turns ideas into actions, and is driven by his passion for teaching and knowledge.
"W began with typeface design and has mutated into a work group centered around letters that does not need to be rigidly categorized. It is a common learning space where, if we need to include something else, we can do it without any problem".
David Súid — Deivid 👌
Designer and graduate in Typeface Design from the University of Chile, with a strong focus on detail and the study of typefaces.
"At W we all have different ways of seeing things and working with typography that complement each other and helps us create a better dynamic within the team and the work group".
THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE THAT IS NOT POWER — MK
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