This time, we return to the world of lettering with Marco Lpz, a talented creative based in Mexico City whose handwork is truly extraordinary.
We sat down with him to get to know him better and gain a perspective from the other side of the globe. Let’s see what Marco Lpz had to share with us.
Interview with Marco Lpz, lettering from Mexico City
Code: First of all, thank you for being part of this project by Code Barcelona, where our aim is to give a voice to cutting-edge creatives.
Code: For those who don’t know you yet, Marco, tell us—how did you get started, and what has your journey been like to get where you are today?
Marco Lpz: Wow, the journey began in June 2012. If I remember correctly, I had a very flexible job that I really enjoyed (editorial design), and thanks to the support of Maestro Paco Calles, I learned and started to experiment more seriously with lettering.
It’s been quite a ride. There have been tough times because of my restless nature. I’ve had other projects, like Blanck—a space where I invited top illustrators and letterers to give workshops in Mexico City. I also worked on commercials, fashion films, and was part of a production company that got me involved in a movie around 2015. Sometimes these things pulled me away from lettering, but I never stopped creating completely. In 2014, I had my first piece published in a specialist book—Typism 2—which gave me a real boost. Since then, I’ve worked with clients from all over the world, and I’m more confident than ever that this is the right path. Today, a few years later, my work has been published in seven books.
Code: I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing some of your peers from Spain, and I have to say I deeply admire you all… that blend of creativity and handmade work is so rare and inspiring. Tell me, Marco, who are your influences, and what sources of inspiration can we see in your work?
Marco Lpz: I’ve always been careful not to have a single reference or idol, because it’s easy to lose objectivity and fall into the trap of thinking everything they do is great. But in the world of letters and design, I really admire Jon Contino, Alex Trochut, Martina Flor, and James Victore for their unique approach to projects, their professionalism, and how they’re involved in every step from start to finish.
On the other hand, a lot of my handmade inspiration comes from watching my grandmother and mother cook, and from those big Netflix productions where you see food, farming, design, art—basically any craft where people become part of the process and connect with the materials.
Code: To get a sense of how you work, tell me—how do you approach a project? Can you walk me through your creative process? What’s your creative space like?
Marco Lpz: I approach every project with curiosity, lots of questions, and as if it were my very first.
A good way to start is by gathering enough information so I could explain what I’m going to do to someone who has no idea what I do or what lettering is.
My creative space is very segmented. If I’m just brainstorming or feeling blocked, my workspace could be a theater, the street, working out, or the movies—if that makes sense. Everything feeds into the process, especially at the beginning. Later, if I’m working digitally, I head to my studio where I have my computer, my Wacom (Intuos Pro Paper), sketchbooks, books, and so on. But if it’s an original piece that I’ll paint or treat more traditionally, I go to my painting studio, where things are freer and a bit chaotic—papers and ideas flying around, paint, calligraphy tools, brushes, snacks, a few beers, and plenty of fresh air.
Code: To dive deeper into your work, I’d like you to pick a project or piece—any one you like—and tell me a bit about it: the background, the journey, and the result. Which one will you choose?
Marco Lpz: www.instagram.com/project
This piece represents the direction my work is taking—it’s a much looser canvas, free from the rules of calligraphy or lettering, more expressive and open, aiming to spark a different kind of reaction. Its origin is me—always curious, always searching for new ways to present myself to the world.
Now, just a few months after finishing it, I absolutely love the result. It’s an evolution, a spark that makes me happy.
Code: Many in our audience are creatives who haven’t yet made the leap to the professional world. What advice would you give them to keep going?
Marco Lpz: I have a couple of tips—one professional, one personal.
Sketch, think, and unwind with some tacos (or your favorite food), a beer (if you drink), or a bit of exercise. Work, paint, vectorize with coffee, water, and a calm mind. First, get rid of the obvious ideas—feel fulfilled and inspired, then focus, concentrate, and calmly refine your process.
The second tip: if you’re emotionally well, it shows, and everything else follows if you’re paying attention. Let’s not forget we’re human, and we need to take care of ourselves emotionally.
Code: To wrap up, we have a quick-fire round—are you ready?
Code: What’s the best thing about being a lettering artist and creative?
Marco Lpz: Being able to create whatever I want, wherever I want, with drawn letters.
Code: And the worst?
Marco Lpz: When you hit a creative block.
Code: How do you see the current lettering scene?
Marco Lpz: I see it growing, though sometimes a bit confused. There are lots of people copying styles with great technique but without developing their own voice. Fortunately, there are projects (and books) like Goodtype and Typism that curate and ensure letterers have their own voice or style, and they leave out technically skilled people who just copy the pioneers.
Code: What are you working on now? Any new projects you can share?
Marco Lpz: I’m painting a lot of pieces for gallery shows, working on murals, and doing some really interesting activations with brands that give me a lot of freedom and love. These projects are bringing me closer to my dream of touring Spain and traveling the world.
Code: Name a creative we shouldn’t miss.
Marco Lpz: Tristan Eaton (muralist), Pichiavo (muralist), Lee Stwart (tattoo artist), Ledania (muralist), Seher One, holatype—the list goes on!
Code: With the beers finished and a great vibe, we say goodbye to Marco Lpz, wishing him all the best and hoping he gets countless opportunities to showcase his creative talent. If you want to know more, check out the links below.