Aeroplan inbound

Hi Nina, congratulations on releasing your first complete typeface! How would you introduce Aeroplan in a few sentences?
Aeroplan is a contemporary text typeface that was created as a revival based on a historical source. I wanted to design my own interpretation of that source which shows its digital spirit, but also transports the original character with its very own individual charm.
 
How long does it take to create a font from the first sketch to final release?
I started in 2019, so it’s been some years now, but of course I didn’t work full time all the time on the typeface. It had some resting periods which were really important to let it grow. And for me to gain some experience and work on it later. I think, it was the right amount of time for this typeface.
 

What was the most difficult part of the design process?
There are difficulties appearing all the time, but for me the technical part was difficult. It was my first really big typeface, so the learning process was difficult but also challenging and rewarding. And also staying motivated for such a long time can also be very difficult; it is not just designing pretty letters, there is a lot of stuff to do that is considered boring by many.
 
How did winning a Gerard Unger Scholarship improve Nina’s work? Would it be possible to complete such a big project on her own? And is she happy with the result? 

For the full story behind Aeroplan, watch the video interview with Nina Faulhaber above.