Erik Spiekermann
Erik Spiekermann
Berlin, Germany

© Dennis Letbetter

What else can one write about the man whose Wikipedia entry has been translated into 13 different languages?

The man, whose shelves are decorated with multiple awards for his life’s work from the most renowned associations and a beautifully framed honorary doctorate certificate. The man, whose reference books and biography became international bestsellers. The man, who has designed more successful typefaces than most foundries have to offer. The man, who is an entertaining guest in audio, film and TV productions (e.g. the legendary BBC video. He is at home in three time zones and owns more bicycles in each place than a large sporty family. He is the man who was heavily involved building two of the most relevant creative agencies, a legendary letterpress workshop, and the most important independent font distributor and the largest library of contemporary typefaces.

So, there is not much left to write about this man. Apart from the fact that Fontwerk would probably not exist without the latter two achievements, our roots lie in the ideals and friendships of the first 25 years of FontShop. The fact that Erik sees his future as a type designer for our label after his enormously successful time at ITC and FontFont is highly appreciated and a hugely motivating obligation for us.