Discover the global energy of contemporary lettering in Yearbook #2 from Slanted Publishers. A 272-page guide to the best in calligraphy, graffiti, and 3D.

Slanted Publishers has returned with the Yearbook of Lettering #2. This volume acts as a vital pulse check for the global lettering community. It moves beyond simple alphabets to explore the "soul" of letterforms across 31 different countries. The project captures a specific moment in design where the line between traditional craftsmanship and digital experimentation has almost entirely vanished.

The core challenge for any design yearbook is curation. How do you represent a field that evolves daily on social media? Slanted Publishers solves this through a structured four-part hierarchy: Ambassadors, Artists, Findings, and a comprehensive Index. This organization transforms a chaotic digital landscape into a tangible, 272-page resource. It provides a permanent home for work that often exists only as fleeting pixels on a screen.

The "Ambassadors" section offers a deep look into the minds of industry leaders. It features interviews and portfolios from influential figures like “Tyrsa” Alexis Taïeb, Ying Chang, and Ken Barber. These segments provide the necessary context to understand the techniques behind the aesthetics. For instance, the work of Dave Towers and Tina Touli highlights how different tools—from broad-nib pens to complex software—shape the final visual narrative.

Visual diversity is the hallmark of this second edition. The book showcases everything from elegant calligraphy to expressive street art and bold 3D lettering. The "Findings" section is particularly clever. It distills 216 selected works from Instagram into a compact format, highlighting the sheer volume of creativity found in the modern community. The cover artwork by Hugo Moura sets the tone with its tactile and energetic approach.

The physical production of the book mirrors the quality of the art inside. Printed in full-color offset by NINO Druck, the volume uses a thread-stitched stiff brochure format. This choice ensures durability for a book meant to be used as a frequent reference in design studios. Managing editor Linus Haug and creative director Lars Harmsen have crafted an object that feels as modern as the content it contains.

Ultimately, this yearbook is more than just an inspiration gallery. It is a practical bridge between artists and agencies. By including a detailed A-to-Z index with bios, material descriptions, and contact info, Slanted Publishers has created a directory for the next generation of typographic talent. It reminds us that even in a digital world, the physical page remains the best way to preserve the energy of contemporary lettering.

Credits

• Publisher: Slanted Publishers
• Publishing Direction: Lars Harmsen, Julia Kahl
• Design: Lars Harmsen (CD), Linus Haug (AD)
• Managing Editor: Linus Haug
• Graphic Design & Editing: Juliane Lipp, Samira Niedermayer
• Cover Artwork & Chapter Pages:“Xesta” Hugo Moura
• Release: November 2025
• Format: 16 × 24 cm
• Volume: 272 pages
• Language: English
• Printing: full-colour offset-printing byNINO Druck
• Workmanship: Stiff brochure with thread-stitching byBuchbinderei Spinner
• Paper: Munken Print White 1.5, 100 g/sm (inside), SURBALIN seda 115 g/sm (endpaper), PEYDUR neuleinen 135 g/sm (cover)
• ISBN: 978-3-948440-92-3
• Price: € 38.– (DE)

Contemporary Lettering