One thing we found with graphic designers is that they are used to presenting their work to clients on a regular basis. So people who do good design, you figure they’re able to talk through their work to a rather unforgiving audience that is the client. So you figure if they’re able to get that work through that aspect of the industry, then they should be able to present to a somewhat larger group of people. We’ve found that that’s actually very true for graphic designers.

On the other hand, type designers have less contact with clients on a regular basis. I’ve been to a lot of TypeCons and it’s not uncommon to think something like, “The content is interesting, but this person’s going to put me to sleep.” I think there is something about being in direct contact with clients and having to explain your work over and over that makes for a good speaker.

Armin Vit.