Studio Dumbar’s Charlie Le Maignan is all about variable fonts and kooky typefaces

Currently a valued member of Rotterdam's renowned Studio Dumbar team, Charlie Le Maignan is a distinguished French graphic designer and motion artist. Focusing on graphic design, motion graphics and typography, Charlie merges these elements to create designs that brim with expression. His distinctive style combines bold shapes, vibrant colours, imaginative compositions and dynamic motion, imbuing his work with profound meaning.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Charlie actively explores design experiments that expand his creative practice beyond the realm of commercial work. Notably, his motion experiments received acclaim at the prestigious DEMO Festival. Additionally, he crafts playful and imaginative fictitious business cards for his project Voilà ma carte. With a deep fascination for type design, Charlie finds joy in uncovering the rich history of typefaces, which become treasured objects to be utilised across diverse contexts. He particularly revels in the realm of variable fonts, which offer diverse motion approaches and provide an enjoyable playground for experimentation. Notably, he recently introduced Gregam, a titling typeface renowned for its fearless embrace of tight settings and time travel. Combining straight mono-linear strokes with prominent circular counters, it exudes a playful and unmistakably unique character.

Motion plays a pivotal role in Charlie's creative process, infusing his work with expressive touches. From meticulous mimicry to graceful gestures and the nuanced interplay of sounds, he breathes life into his designs. Charlie finds the study of gestures particularly captivating as it allows him to effectively communicate his intended messages. “When I work I focus as much on ‘the doing’ and on ‘the result’,” he says. “Backstage is sometimes as interesting as the end product.”