From a young age, Britt Möricke was captivated by music, Icelandic horses, and the beauty of letters. After starting her career on a horse farm and studying saxophone, it was typography that eventually stole her heart. Her passion led her to pursue type design and freelance work before finding her calling as a tutor at the Willem de Kooning Academy. With over 35 years of experience, she continues to explore the world of typography and inspire her students to discover their own creative paths. Dive into this interview to learn how Britt turned a love for letters into a career.
Can you tell us about your background and how you became a designer?
As a teenager, I had three big passions: music, Icelandic horses, and letters. I started by working on a horse farm in Scotland, then went on to study saxophone at a conservatory. But when it came time to decide, letters won out. From a young age, I had a fascination with letters, though I didn’t really know why. Once I started studying at the KABK, I found like-minded people and teachers who supported me. It felt like coming home.
After that, I completed a Master's in type design. I was always a bit of a "nerd" about it, but during my master’s, I found a community where everyone had the same intense focus. Even while studying, I started freelancing, taking on small jobs here and there, which I’ve continued ever since. Eventually, that led me to teaching, and here I am.
What is your subject of knowledge?
Typography. Over the years of teaching, I’ve learned that students are often both fascinated and a bit afraid of it. They think typography is full of rigid rules, and while there are rules, you don’t always have to follow them. My mission is to help students find their own approach, to see typography as something to explore and enjoy. It’s rewarding to watch them go from feeling intimidated to becoming genuinely interested.
What do you enjoy about typography?
There’s a Japanese word, ikigai, which means the reason you get out of bed in the morning. For me, that’s letters. I don’t know exactly where this love for letters comes from, but it’s deeply rooted. I’ve been working with typography for 35 years now, and I still feel like I know nothing. Typography isn’t just a skill—it’s much more. I’m currently researching the relationship between typography and language, which has opened up a whole new world for me. It’s never boring, and I’m constantly learning.
How did you start working at Willem de Kooning Academy?
A former classmate of mine from KABK suggested that teaching might be a good fit for me. There was a job opening for teaching typography at WdKA, and he encouraged me to apply. I did, had an interview, and was offered the position. Balancing teaching and my own work has been important to me. Right now, I teach three days a week and dedicate two days to my own projects, which is a good balance but requires flexibility.
I see teaching as a creative process in itself. It keeps me engaged with what’s happening in the design world. I attend lectures and stay up to date, which helps me both as a designer and a teacher. At the moment, I’m also writing a book about my experiences in typography and education, drawing from classroom dialogues and lessons learned.
What defines you as a tutor?
When I first started teaching, I was given the nickname "the Ice Queen," which really surprised me! I think it came from the fact that I’m very serious about typography. I listen intently and think deeply about what students are doing, and that seriousness can sometimes come off as strict or cold. But once students get to know me, they realize I’m much more approachable.
I find it challenging when I’m expected to give overly positive feedback when I’m not satisfied with a project. I’m honest with students—I set high standards, but that helps them grow. Once they understand that, they become more open to constructive feedback. I’m also very student-focused. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; I tailor my guidance to each individual.
What I hear most from students is that my passion for typography is contagious, and that’s something I’m proud of.
What do you like most about teaching?
I recently read a great question: “Do you teach 30 years of classes, or do you teach the same class 30 times?” I always aim for the former. I constantly update my content. Typography is an ever-evolving field, so I change my lessons to reflect that. It helps me grow as a designer too. Each group of students needs something different, and that keeps the job fresh and challenging.
What’s one thing you’d like students to take away from your classes?
Typography is so much more than just a skill; it’s conceptual, emotional, and intellectual. My goal is not only to teach students about typography but to encourage them to ask questions, challenge rules, and think critically. In the end, it’s those questions that lead to real understanding and creativity.
What’s something most students don’t know about you?
I’m actually super chaotic in my head! I jump from one thought to another constantly, and it can be difficult to keep things structured. This is surprising to people because I come across as put-together. Teaching forces me to organize my thoughts. There’s a quote I love: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” So I always make sure I’m well-prepared before stepping into the classroom.
And, here’s something fun: I have a guilty pleasure playlist of Dutch smartlappen (emotional folk songs) by Jango Wagner. Also, I’m fascinated by license plates—I always check where a car comes from!
