In this episode of Type Speaks, host Rae talks with designer, writer, and educator Nolen Strals about punk, process, and the power of thinking through making. From hand-drawn flyers and DIY zines to branding cultural spaces and co-authoring a book on lettering, Nolen shares how his punk roots continue to shape his creative approach. He and Rae discuss his evolving process, from ballpoint sketches to full brand systems, and how writing, reflection, and curiosity keep his work sharp, thoughtful, and alive.

Nolen Strals is a designer, writer, and educator whose practice spans branding, lettering, and cultural design. A co-author of Lettering & Type and former partner in the Baltimore-based studio Post Typography, his work combines research, strategy, and visual craft for clients ranging from local breweries to national political movements. His essays on design have appeared in The Washington Post and beyond, and his teaching and mentorship continue to inspire designers to start on paper, trust their instincts, and stay connected to the communities that shape their work.