Do you offer trial fonts?

While offering trial fonts is common practice among type foundries of all sizes, our experience over two years showed that this policy created more challenges than benefits for our small operation. As of 2024, we have discontinued offering trial fonts.

I'm working on a design project for a non-profit organization. Can I get a free license or a discount?

We don't offer discounts or free licenses regardless of the nature of the project or affiliated organization.

If you're working with a limited budget, we encourage you to explore free and open-source typefaces. notyourtypefoundry also offers a selection of free typefaces available to everyone under our "Free To Use But Be Nice" license: bianzhidai, ITYT, testType, openboek, mathigon and kiddo.

Also worth keeping in mind: big foundries have more resources and more ways to generate income. A small practice like notyourtypefoundry (a one-person type foundry) relies solely on selling licenses, occasionally supplemented by custom type design work. Giving discounts isn't sustainable, and it isn't fair to the work I've put in. No one should have to work for free, especially when everyone has rent, utilities, and all the basic expenses of life to cover.

What is "Free to Use But Be Nice" License for, does it also apply to your retail typefaces?

"Free To Use But Be Nice" is a license designed to prevent medium and large commercial entities from using our free typefaces without compensation. It does not apply to our retail typefaces (such as commonSans, anotherSerif, etc.), which require a standard purchase. Every penny counts.

For a full description of the license, please visit our Licensing Terms Page (EULA).

Which licenses should I choose for my project?

You can read our EULA for a full overview of our license terms and types. We try to keep our license descriptions short and clear, and we trust that people will be honest when purchasing licenses for their projects. If you are still unsure after reading this FAQ and our EULA, then please send us an email. 

What does "project-based" licensing mean, and why is it structured this way?

Each license is valid for one specific project, for one client. If you want to use the typeface for a new project (even for the same client), or expand the usage (e.g. from a print poster to a social media campaign), you'll need a separate license.

This is because the price of a license reflects the scope of use. A small poster and a full brand identity don't carry the same value, so they shouldn't cost the same. Project-based licensing makes sure that pricing stays fair.

I'm a designer, can I purchase a license on behalf of my client?

Yes, you can. When purchasing on behalf of a client, please make sure to specify the project and the client's details during checkout (this information will appear on the invoice). Note that the company size refers to your client's company, not yours.

Regardless of who makes the purchase, the license holder should always be the client, since they're the one using the typeface in their project. If you're purchasing a license for your own use, for example for your own portfolio website, then you can be the license holder yourself.

I'm a student, and I want to use your retail typefaces for my school projects, do you offer student license?

We don't offer student licenses. 
We encourage students to explore open-source alternatives and if you're struggling to find things, here's a curated list worth checking out. :)

Can I share the font files with my developer or printer?

Font files should remain under the management of the designer or agency who purchased the license. You may not redistribute the font files to third parties, including developers, printers, or other collaborators, unless you have received written permission from notyourtypefoundry.

If a collaborator requires access to the font files, please get in touch with us to discuss the options.

Can you summarize the prohibited uses for your fonts?

Yes. Please go to our EULA (section 4.2).

In short: no political use without written permission, no hate speech or content that promotes violence or discrimination, no AI/ML training or dataset use (this includes using any visual output of the font), no turning our glyphs into standalone products (stickers, patches, etc.), and no sharing or redistributing the font files with anyone outside your license. 

Is your type design workshop (e.g. ITYT) open to the public, or is it only taking place within a school setting?

I do collective type design workshops upon request, which so far have mostly come from schools or institutions. I’d love to run them more publicly so that anyone can join, but at the moment that’s not really feasible without funding support — covering costs like space rental, materials, communication, and of course, my own time and labor. I’ve actually applied for funding three times without success, so I’m currently taking a break from that process.

That said, you’re more than welcome to invite me to do a workshop, I’m always open to new collaborations!

Which languages can you use for email communication?

English and Mandarin. 英文中文都可以。

Are you looking for interns?

Not at the moment, and probably not for the next few years either.

I just sent an email to you, how long will I get a reply?

Usually within 2-3 working days, depending on the type of email and its urgency. 

notyourtypefoundry
Rotterdam, NL
info@notyourtype.nl
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