A Life Among Letters: The Quiet Work of Clara Istlerová

It’s not often that a project comes along that feels both new and timeless, but a recent publication featured on It’s Nice That seems to strike that balance. A Life Among Letters is a book that delves into the work of Czech graphic designer and typographer Clara Istlerová, a pioneering figure whose contribution to the visual culture of postwar Czechoslovakia is significant, yet not widely known outside of her home country.

What makes this project so interesting is its quiet, considered approach. In an age of self-promotion, Istlerová’s story is one of dedication to the craft itself. Working entirely with analogue processes, she was one of the few women in the male-dominated field of Czech typography. Her book covers and typographic work show an expressive and intuitive feel for letterforms, a tangible quality that can sometimes be lost in the digital age. If you grew up in Czechoslovakia, the article notes, you have probably held one of her designs without knowing her name.

The book, initiated by designer Anežka Minaříková, began as a university thesis and grew into a friendship. It's built around conversations between the two designers, covering decades of work, history, and life. This format gives it a personal depth that a conventional monograph might lack. It doesn’t just showcase the finished work; it offers a look into the life that informed it – the daily routines, the personal relationships, the context of the times.

A selection of Clara Istlerová's typographic work. This image showcases the playful yet structured nature of her designs and her clear love for letterforms.

For those of us who appreciate typography, this project is a welcome reminder of the human element in design. Istlerová’s work is not about chasing trends, but about a deep-seated "love of letters." The design of the book itself reflects this, with a modest and approachable feel. Its cover, a playful mix of letterforms from Istlerová's own sketches and book covers, is a fitting tribute to her hands-on, physical approach to type.

This project feels like a necessary act of preservation, bringing a significant but overlooked designer into the light. It's a testament to the fact that good design isn't always about shouting the loudest; often, it’s about the quiet, consistent, and thoughtful application of a craft over a lifetime.