Matthew Lenning

Some good news for artists: A new Copyright Office rule increases the group registration limit for two-dimensional artworks from 10 to 20 works under a single application. https://lnkd.in/eWY8XYrT

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Nice interview with one of the three principals of Annatto. Honestly could not ask for a better team to work with!

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At No Replica, our practice is built on a foundation of R&D initiatives where we push the limits of what design and code can achieve together. To explore the future of digital typography, we run an in-house type foundry called Too Much Type, where we develop the tools and technologies we simply can’t find elsewhere. We use this space to test “fringe” use cases. We prototype experimental designs and technologies that eventually become the backbone of our professional client projects. An example is Limkin, our flagship hybrid serif/sans-serif variable font. We needed a typeface that could scale across all of our original projects. When we couldn’t find one that fit our requirements, we made it ourselves. The foundry’s website itself is an exercise in custom interaction, inspired by vintage operating systems and featuring draggable icons and simulated browser windows. It serves as a proof of concept for our technical precision and playful spirit. When we tell a client we’re building them something “one-of-a-kind,” we mean it. Identity begins with language, and language begins with fonts. We create fonts to ensure every brand we touch has a truly original voice. #TypeDesign #VariableFonts #Typography #TooMuchType

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Before building Synthesis, part of our initial research was simply asking our fellow designers where they started when they built their most inspired works. Many said that they began that journey at a museum. I am very excited to offer that exact starting place within Synthesis. No matter where you are located, you can now begin your visual research by looking through almost 500,000 pieces from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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Dimian: Italian Creativity for Toy 2.0 From historic doll production to educational and interactive play. Dimian renews itself with an approach focused on design and direct relationships with international partners. An interview with Vice President Michael Rothling. Tradition, innovation, and global vision: three words that describe the evolution of Dimian. Guided by a philosophy that unites creativity, accessibility, and attention to design, the Italian company looks to the future with projects that aim to tell stories and stimulate imagination. An example of this is the new Bburago Junior line, created to pay homage to a historic brand by reinterpreting it in an interactive and educational way. In a constantly transforming market, the company chooses to focus on direct relationships, opening the doors of its Hong Kong showroom to international partners. “The value of 'Italian know-how' lies in creating play experiences that inspire dreams,” says Vice President Michael Rothling, who in this interview discusses how the company is transforming and the vision that guides him in rethinking the way toys are made today. **How did your journey in Dimian begin?** It all started in the doll sector, which has always represented the heart of our company. From there, we have gradually expanded our catalog with the aim of offering product lines that combine design and accessibility. The acquisition of the Bburago Junior license, for example, has allowed us to enter the world of soft cars, a segment designed to combine safety, quality, and fun. **In a highly competitive market, what do you believe is Dimian's added value?** I firmly believe in the importance of building strong relationships with customers. Rather than participating in traditional trade fairs like Nuremberg, I decided to host my clients in our showroom in Hong Kong. This allows for direct and personal contact, where everyone can see and touch the products. In an era where traditional marketing is no longer sufficient, it is essential to modernize one’s mindset and showcase a personal vision, even through digital channels. People need to dream. **How do you envision the evolution of the industry in the coming years?** My ambition is clear: I want to bring Italian creativity into the world of Toy 2.0. The market is changing, and simply launching a product on TV is no longer enough. Distributors are looking for complete and diversified product lines. With Dimian, I aim to exceed expectations by creating memorable play experiences. **What does it mean to be an entrepreneur today?** It means being both a dreamer and a doer at the same time. It’s a responsibility not only towards one’s business but also towards the team and the customers. I must inspire people to believe in my vision: a reinvented Italian toy that captivates and delights new generations. The goal is to create lasting value, not just for the brand but for the entire ecosystem surrounding it.

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