Greg Thompson looks back—and ahead
After showing an early talent for crafting letterforms, Greg Thompson took a detour through music and industrial design. In an interview with Amy Papaelias, he retraces his journey back to type.
About
Greg Thompson
Greg Thompson graduated in 1985 from Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California. In 1989, he began using Fontographer to make PostScript versions of existing typefaces for clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, and Tokyo.
At the invitation of Roger Black and David Berlow, he became the first independent designer to contribute to the nascent Font Bureau retail library. Bodega Sans was made during the spring of 1990 on a Macintosh SE20 and proofed on a Linotronic at Typesmiths in Chicago where Greg was working nights setting type. His typographic clients included Agfa Compugraphic, Ameritech Corporation, Chiat Day Mojo, the Chicago Tribune, Conde-Nast, Crate and Barrel, Landor Associates, Monotype Corporation, Peace Corps, Playboy Magazine, Road and Track Magazine, and Suntory Corporation.
Greg’s original typeface designs have been key elements in the visual identities of McDonald’s, Kellogg’s, Oprah Magazine, Pepsi One, the CSI television series, and other well-known brands.