Introduction
I remember staring at a blank canvas, paralyzed by the sheer volume of fonts and layout possibilities in front of me. As a self-taught designer, I had learned to mimic trends, but I never truly understood why certain designs worked while others fell flat. That all changed when I discovered Chris Do – Typography 01. This course isn’t just another tutorial on picking pretty fonts—it’s a comprehensive deep dive into the structural DNA of visual communication. Whether you’re struggling with hierarchy, feeling overwhelmed by grid systems, or simply want to develop that elusive “designer’s eye,” this program promises to demystify the art and science of typography. Over six-plus hours of intensive video instruction, Chris Do breaks down centuries of typographic tradition into digestible, actionable principles that immediately elevate your work. I’ve watched my own designs transform from amateur attempts to professional compositions that confidently guide the viewer’s eye exactly where I want it to go. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding the foundational language of design, this review will walk you through everything you need to know about Chris Do – Typography 01 before making your investment.
Course Description
Chris Do – Typography 01 is The Futur’s flagship educational experience, meticulously crafted to take designers from type-timid to type-confident through a structured, self-paced curriculum. Spanning over six hours of high-definition video content, this course dismantles the intimidation factor that surrounds typography and rebuilds your understanding from the ground up. The program combines theoretical foundations with brutal practical application—you’ll watch Chris deconstruct historical examples, demonstrate live in Adobe Illustrator, and provide unfiltered critiques of actual student submissions. Unlike surface-level courses that stop at font pairing, this program immerses you in grid construction, optical adjustments, and the psychological impact of typographic choices. The learning experience extends beyond passive watching; you’ll receive specific homework assignments designed to stretch your capabilities, followed by critique sessions where Chris shows you exactly how to fix common mistakes. With lifetime access to all materials, including bonus content covering website typography reviews and Adobe Illustrator shortcuts, this course serves as a perpetual reference library that grows with your career. The material is optimized for both beginners seeking structure and intermediate designers looking to fill gaps in their formal education, making it a versatile investment for anyone serious about visual communication.
What separates this course from YouTube tutorials is the systematic approach to building your typographic vocabulary. You’ll move from understanding basic terminology like x-height and leading to mastering complex grid systems derived from Fibonacci sequences. The curriculum respects the history of design while remaining fiercely practical for modern digital applications, ensuring that every principle you learn translates directly into client work, personal projects, or portfolio pieces that actually get noticed.
Ideal Student
- Self-taught designers who have mastered software but lack formal understanding of why layouts work, seeking to bridge the gap between technical skill and design theory
- Graphic design professionals looking to level up from execution-focused work to art direction, particularly those wanting to confidently present and defend their typographic choices to clients
- Marketing and content creators who handle their own visual assets and need to create more professional, hierarchy-driven social media graphics, presentations, and promotional materials
- Career transitioners entering the design field from adjacent industries who need a comprehensive foundation in visual principles without committing to a four-year degree program
- Typography enthusiasts who have always been fascinated by letterforms and want to understand the historical context, classification systems, and optical mechanics behind beautiful type
Learning Outcomes
- Master contrast and repetition as the twin pillars of effective typography, learning to manipulate weight, size, hue, and case to create visual interest while maintaining cohesive layouts
- Construct and utilize grid systems derived from historical masters like Jan Tschichold and Josef Müller-Brockmann, enabling you to create complex, balanced compositions for any medium
- Develop critical observation skills to analyze existing designs through a typographic lens, identifying why certain layouts succeed and how to improve those that don’t
- Execute optical adjustments by understanding letter spacing, kerning, and visual compensation techniques that make professional typography feel effortless and refined
- Apply historical classification knowledge to make informed typeface selections based on era, mood, and functional requirements, moving beyond subjective “I like this” decisions to strategic choices
Course Modules
The curriculum of Chris Do – Typography 01 is architected as a progressive journey from fundamental principles to advanced application. Each module builds upon the last, creating a scaffolded learning experience that ensures retention and practical skill development. Below, I’ll walk you through the core sections that make up this comprehensive typography education, detailing exactly what knowledge you’ll extract from each intensive session.
Module 1: Repetition and Contrast
This foundational module establishes the bedrock principles that govern all typographic decision-making. Chris begins with a fascinating historical overview of typography’s evolution from ancient Roman lettering to modern digital typesetting, providing crucial context for why certain rules exist. You’ll then dive deep into the mechanics of contrast—learning to manipulate skip weights (jumping between light and heavy type), change hue for emphasis, mix cases strategically, and vary point sizes to create visual hierarchy. The module doesn’t just explain these concepts; it demonstrates them through live demonstrations where Chris shows you exactly how subtle adjustments can transform a mediocre layout into a compelling one.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding how contrast creates visual interest and directs eye flow through a composition
- Mastering the “Mix It Up” technique for combining disparate elements harmoniously
- Learning font pairing strategies that go beyond generic “-serif with sans-serif” advice
- Practical demo of cutting and rearranging type to solve layout problems
Module 2: Grids
If Module 1 teaches you the vocabulary of type, Module 2 teaches you the grammar of layout through grid systems. This section is worth the entire course price alone, as Chris demystifies the seemingly complex world of grid construction. You’ll study the revolutionary work of Jan Tschichold and Josef Müller-Brockmann, understanding how classical proportion systems translate into modern design work. The module includes detailed walkthroughs of grid terminology, construction techniques, and application methods that work across print and digital mediums.
You’ll specifically learn:
- How to construct grids from scratch using the Fibonacci sequence and root rectangles
- Analyzing the asymmetric layouts of Sigfried Odermatt and Rosmarie Tissi for inspiration
- Creating grid overlays in Adobe Illustrator to audit and improve existing designs
- Bonus content including detailed PDFs of Müller-Brockmann’s Musica Viva grid construction
Module 3: Typographic Details
This module takes you into the weeds—the microscopic adjustments that separate student work from professional design. Chris covers the historical evolution of letterforms, teaching you to identify different type classifications (humanist, geometric, grotesque, etc.) and understand when each is appropriate. You’ll learn the technical terminology that allows you to communicate with other designers and printers effectively, from ascenders and descenders to counters and apertures. The section on optical adjustments is particularly eye-opening, revealing why mathematical spacing often looks wrong to the human eye and how to compensate for optical illusions in type design.
Core concepts covered:
- Historical classification of typefaces and their appropriate modern applications
- Unity of design principles that ensure all elements feel cohesive
- Advanced letter spacing and kerning techniques for different type sizes
- Creating professional type specimens to showcase font choices to clients
Module 4: Homework Assignment
Theory means nothing without application, and this module bridges that gap with a comprehensive hands-on assignment. Chris introduces the concept of “Atomic Design” methodology, teaching you to break down complex layouts into manageable components. The module includes extensive demo footage where Chris designs a masthead and date treatment from scratch, verbalizing every decision so you understand the reasoning behind each placement. This section emphasizes “learning how to see”—training your eye to recognize tension, balance, and rhythm in typographic arrangements before you even begin designing.
Practical skills developed:
- Pre-design preparation and research methods used by professional art directors
- Step-by-step masthead construction for editorial design projects
- Date and auxiliary information styling that complements primary typography
- Self-critique techniques to evaluate your own work objectively
Module 5: Layout Critique
Perhaps the most valuable module for practical growth, this section features Chris critiquing real student submissions with unfiltered honesty. You’ll watch as he diagnoses common layout diseases—awkward negative space, inconsistent alignment, weak hierarchy—and prescribes specific typographic cures. This isn’t gentle encouragement; it’s surgical instruction that teaches you to be brutally honest about your own work. By watching Chris deconstruct submissions A, B, and C, you’ll internalize the critique process and learn to spot issues in your own designs before showing them to clients.
Critique focus areas:
- Identifying when contrast is too weak or excessively aggressive
- Fixing alignment issues that create visual tension
- Strengthening typographic hierarchy through scale and weight adjustments
- Developing the ability to explain design decisions to clients and stakeholders
Module 6: Bonus Critiques – April-May 2020
This extensive bonus section contains over twelve hours of additional critique footage from live sessions conducted during spring 2020. Organized as weekly exercises, Chris reviews student work addressing specific constraints: Week 1 focuses on one weight and one point size, forcing creativity through limitation; Week 2 introduces two weights; Week 3 explores single weights with dual point sizes; and subsequent weeks progressively add complexity with rules, shapes, and experimental layouts. Watching these evolutions teaches you more about typography than years of trial and error, as you see common mistakes corrected in real-time and understand how constraints actually enhance creativity.
Weekly progression includes:
- Week 4: Mastering two weights with two point sizes for complex hierarchy
- Week 5: Any weights and any sizes—moving beyond limitations with intentional choices
- Week 6: Incorporating rules and shapes as typographic elements
- Week 7: Experimental layouts that break rules deliberately after learning them
Module 7: Bonus Content – Website Design Review
Extending typography principles into digital spaces, this module applies everything you’ve learned to web design contexts. Chris reviews live websites, analyzing how typography functions in responsive environments and below-the-fold content areas. You’ll learn how grid systems translate to CSS frameworks, how image-text relationships work in digital layouts, and why web typography requires different spacing considerations than print. This section is crucial for modern designers who must work across mediums, ensuring your typographic skills remain relevant in an increasingly screen-based industry.
Digital applications covered:
- Typography scale systems for responsive web design
- Image integration and caption styling for digital editorial
- Below-the-fold content strategies that maintain reader engagement
- Technical considerations for web font loading and rendering
Module 8: Bonus Content – Adobe Illustrator Shortcuts
Efficiency separates hobbyists from professionals, and this three-part bonus series turbocharges your workflow. Chris shares his personal Adobe Illustrator shortcut configurations and automation techniques that speed up typographic layout work. You’ll learn keyboard commands for precise alignment, quick type modification, and grid construction that save hours on complex projects. While seemingly tactical, these lessons actually reinforce the strategic principles from earlier modules by making the execution of good typography faster and more fluid, allowing you to iterate more rapidly and arrive at optimal solutions sooner.
Workflow optimizations include:
- Custom keyboard shortcuts for type manipulation and alignment
- Actions and scripts for repetitive typographic tasks
- Template setups that expedite new project initiation
- Precision techniques for exact measurements and spacing
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The principles taught in Chris Do – Typography 01 immediately translate into tangible career benefits. I’ve watched freelancers double their rates after completing this course, armed with the vocabulary to explain their design decisions and the skills to back up their confidence. The grid systems module proves particularly valuable for brand identity projects, where complex layout systems must remain consistent across dozens of touchpoints—from business cards to billboards to mobile applications. Students report winning pitches against more experienced designers simply because their presentations demonstrated sophisticated typographic control that clients intuitively trust as “professional.”
Beyond individual projects, the course transforms how designers approach their careers. Graduates describe finally understanding why their previous work felt “off,” and more importantly, knowing exactly how to fix it. The critique methodology taught in the course creates a feedback loop for continuous improvement; you learn to objectively assess your own portfolio, identify weak pieces, and systematically strengthen them using contrast, grid, and hierarchy principles. Several students have leveraged their improved portfolios to secure positions at major agencies or transition from print-centric roles to digital product design, where typographic systems thinking is essential. The community access through Slack and Circle provides ongoing support, with alumni regularly sharing job opportunities, freelance gigs, and constructive feedback that extends the learning far beyond the video content.
Pricing
Investing in Chris Do – Typography 01 represents a mid-tier educational expenditure that delivers professional-grade returns. The pricing structure is straightforward and designed to accommodate different cash flow situations without compromising access to any course materials.
- One-Time Payment: $299 USD for immediate, lifetime access to all video content, homework assignments, critique libraries, bonus materials, and community channels. This includes all future updates to the course curriculum.
- Payment Plan: Three monthly payments of $99 USD each, providing the same complete access while spreading the financial commitment over 90 days. No additional fees or interest charges apply to the payment plan.
Both pricing tiers include identical content: over six hours of core video instruction, twelve-plus hours of bonus critique footage, downloadable grid templates, reference PDFs of historical typographic work, and lifetime membership to the private student community. Compared to the cost of a single semester at design school or even a weekend workshop, Chris Do – Typography 01 offers exceptional value for the depth of instruction provided. The course effectively serves as a perpetual reference tool that you’ll revisit throughout your career whenever facing complex typographic challenges.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Expert instruction from industry veterans—Chris Do brings decades of agency experience and Emmy-winning design sensibility directly to your screen, teaching techniques actually used in high-stakes commercial work
- Comprehensive critique library—The bonus footage of Chris reviewing student work provides more educational value than many standalone courses, showing real problem-solving in real-time
- Lifetime access and updates—Unlike subscription models that disappear when you stop paying, this one-time purchase grants permanent access to current and future course materials
- Active community support—The private Slack channel and Circle community connect you with thousands of other designers for feedback, networking, and job opportunities
- Practical, software-agnostic theory—While demonstrated in Adobe Illustrator, the principles apply to any design tool, from Figma to traditional paper layouts
- Historical context meets modern application—The course respects design history while ensuring every lesson has immediate practical application for contemporary projects
Cons
- Significant upfront cost—At $299, the course represents a serious investment for students or designers in developing economies, though payment plans help mitigate this
- Requires Adobe Creative Suite—To fully participate in homework assignments, you’ll need access to Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, adding to the total cost if you don’t already subscribe
- Self-directed pace requires discipline—Without external deadlines, some students struggle to complete the course, though the community helps provide accountability
- Minimal hand-holding for absolute beginners—While suitable for beginners, the course assumes basic familiarity with design software; total novices might find the technical demos overwhelming initially
- Limited interaction with Chris directly—Unless upgrading to the Pro Group membership, you won’t receive personal critiques from Chris himself on your specific work
- Focus on Western typography—The course centers heavily on Latin alphabet traditions, with less coverage of non-Western scripts or multilingual typography challenges
FAQs
Is Chris Do – Typography 01 suitable for complete beginners with no design background?
While the course is accessible to beginners, it works best for those with basic familiarity with Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. Absolute beginners can succeed but should expect a steeper learning curve when following along with technical demonstrations. The theoretical content—history, principles, and terminology—is perfectly digestible for newcomers, but the practical homework assignments assume you can navigate design software confidently.
What specific software do I need to complete the homework assignments?
The course primarily uses Adobe Illustrator for demonstrations, though InDesign is also acceptable for layout-focused work. You’ll need access to one of these programs to complete the homework assignments effectively. While the principles apply to any vector-based design tool (including free alternatives like Inkscape or Vectr), following along with the specific shortcuts and techniques demonstrated requires Adobe Creative Suite.
How does Chris Do – Typography 01 compare to a traditional design degree?
This course condenses the typography components of a four-year graphic design program into a focused, intensive format. While it doesn’t cover non-typographic design subjects like photography, illustration, or coding, it often exceeds university-level depth specifically in typography. Many graduates of traditional programs take this course to fill gaps left by broad curriculums that only scratch the surface of type design.
Can I get a refund if the course doesn’t meet my expectations?
The Futur typically offers a satisfaction guarantee within a specific timeframe (usually 30 days) of purchase. You should verify current refund policies directly on their website before enrolling, but historically they stand behind their educational products with reasonable refund windows for students who find the content doesn’t match their learning style.
How long do I have access to the course materials?
Enrollment includes lifetime access to all current and future updates to Typography 01. This includes any new bonus content, additional critique videos, or curriculum expansions added after your purchase. Your login credentials remain active indefinitely, allowing you to revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher on specific concepts like grid construction or optical adjustments.
Is there a certificate of completion, and is it recognized by employers?
Yes, Chris Do – Typography 01 provides a certificate upon completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. While not an accredited academic credential, the Chris Do and The Futur brand carries significant weight in the design industry. Many employers specifically recognize The Futur courses as indicators of serious professional development, often viewing them more favorably than generic online certifications.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly working through Chris Do – Typography 01 and witnessing its impact on my own design practice and that of colleagues, I can confidently state that this course delivers exceptional value for anyone serious about visual communication. It successfully bridges the gap between academic design theory and practical, commercial application—a rare feat in online education. The combination of historical context, systematic grid training, and brutal honest critique creates a learning environment that forces genuine skill development rather than passive consumption. At $299, the course costs less than a single client project for most working designers, yet provides years of reference material and community support. The focus on typography as the foundational element of all design work is academically sound and professionally crucial; every other design discipline—from UX to branding—builds upon these typographic principles.
Who should enroll? If you’re a self-taught designer feeling imposter syndrome around “real” designers, this course provides the formal education you missed. If you’re an experienced designer whose work has plateaued, the systematic approach to contrast and grids will break you out of creative ruts. If you’re transitioning into art direction, the vocabulary and critique methodology will prepare you to lead design teams confidently. The only designers who might not benefit are those already holding advanced degrees in graphic design with extensive typography coursework—though even then, the business-focused perspective and Adobe workflow optimization offer unique value. Chris Do – Typography 01 isn’t just a course; it’s a career accelerant that permanently changes how you see and create visual information. For the price of a nice dinner, you gain access to knowledge that will differentiate your work for decades. That’s an investment I recommend without reservation.
