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Poppy ThaxterThe Freelancers: Leonhard Laupichler on his time at Bureau Borsche and embracing freelancing
In our interview series, The Freelancers, we dive into the challenging world of self-employment; discussing the highs, lows, and day-to-day requirements of freelancing at different design studios and brands as a career choice. For the ninth entry into the series, creative director and designer Leonhard Laupichler reflects on his time at Munich-based graphic design studio Bureau Borsche, shares the highlights of his creative work, and what he values about his move to freelancing.
PT Hey Leonhard, how are you?
LL I’m doing well, thank you! For the past few years, I’ve been working very hard, almost non-stop, and I’ve finally taken a real break this summer to spend some quality time with my friends. Additionally, I’m looking for an apartment in Berlin, which is definitely keeping me busy enough.
PT Can you tell us about your pathway into design? How did you first come across Bureau Borsche?
LL During my school years, I had a strong interest in art, which led me to discover a passion for design. After completing my design studies at the Münster School of Design, I initially worked for six months in Berlin at Bus.Group, and then spent nearly four years at Bureau Borsche in Munich. Since June, I have been working independently as a creative director and designer.
I first noticed Bureau Borsche and the work of designer Mirko Borsche during my second semester, when I began to immerse myself intensely into editorial design and typography. In particular, Bureau Borsche’s ‘Super Paper’ project fascinated me greatly due to its unique, uncompromising, and experimental approach to typography. I would say that Super Paper played a significant role in inspiring me to start designing fonts myself shortly thereafter, and delve extensively into type design. It was around that time that I also began crafting my very first typeface, Arachne.
In general, it can be said that Mirko’s and his studio’s projects deeply inspired me, which is why it was clear to me that I wanted to work and gain experience there.
The pressure can be high, but the learning curve is steep.
PT What have been the most valuable aspects of working at the studio?
LL One big aspect of what makes Bureau Borsche truly special are the projects and collaborations with the biggest brands and personalities in the fields of art, culture, and fashion. Looking back, what was even more special to me was the work culture and team structure. The office has a team of 10-15 employees in total, which isn’t too large, allowing everyone to communicate directly and to work together closely. It was always a relaxed atmosphere without strong hierarchies, and everyone is friends with each other.
I had the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility very early on, and work on multiple projects simultaneously. The pressure can be high, but the learning curve is steep. Mirko has perfected the art of making the right decisions quickly, and what’s also important: every idea is welcome as long as you can argue for it conceptually, regardless of how visually unconventional the end result may appear.
There’s no specific ‘style’ that the office adheres to; you can find everything here, from minimalist black-and-white Swiss design to colourful layouts with challenging typography.
PT Why did you decide to make the switch to freelancing?
LL I have chosen to pursue freelancing full-time because for me, it represents the next step in my career. During my time at Bureau Borsche, I had achieved a lot of goals I had set for myself since the beginning, and learned many things I am very grateful for; embarking on a new chapter now felt right. Also I wanted a change of scenery, some new influences, and a new inspiring environment.
PT What do you most enjoy about it?
LL What I enjoy most right now is having the freedom to set my own schedule, and the flexibility I have now in regards to how I approach my work. And of course it is nice to finally spend a proper summer with my friends here in Berlin.
Comparing projects can be quite challenging.
PT Out of everything you’ve worked on, which project or piece of work has impacted you the most?
LL Comparing projects can be quite challenging. Certainly, during my time in college, the most important project for me was to start designing typefaces. This taught me a lot about black and white spaces, harmony, and disharmony; essentially the basics of design.
Also working on the fashion collections for Supreme from Fall Winter 2020 to Spring Summer 2022, alongside Jean-Pierre Meier and Mirko Borsche at Bureau Borsche, had a significant impact on me. We created well over a thousand different graphics and logos during this time.
The work with the most emotional impact for me is probably the new visual identity for Athens Kallithea FC. For football fans, a logo is not just a recognizable symbol; fans identify with it, they display it on massive banners in the stadium, they wear it proudly on their jerseys over their hearts, and some even get it tattooed.
Every day is different for me.
PT What does your day-to-day normally involve? Do you have a routine?
LL I’m very happy that having my own office allows me to structure my day as I see fit, which helps me avoid stress. What’s most important for me is leaving the office regularly to go outside, and engage in physical activity, such as sports; it serves as a great counterbalance to my work. Every day is different for me.
PT What does your work setup look like?
PT Could you tell us about New Aesthetic, your book on independent typography and expressive type design?
LL During my studies, I was already working on my own typefaces. At that time, many type designers on social media and the internet fascinated me. The quality of work I saw felt like a new movement within the type, design, and art scene. I wanted to bring all of these people together. That was the moment when I developed the concept for New Aesthetic. New Aesthetic 2019 was my bachelor’s thesis; I self published a super limited edition of 100 copies back then.
New Aesthetic 2019 was my bachelor’s thesis.
PT What would you say your strengths are?
LL Openness to everything and quick decision-making.
PT Do you have any plans in mind for the next steps of your career?
LL Currently, I’m working on more art and creative direction projects rather than traditional design, and I’m enjoying this development. I look forward to meeting even more interesting and creative individuals. At the end of the year, Sophia Brinkgerd and I, in collaboration with Sorry Press, will be hosting an exhibition for the release of New Aesthetic 1 in London. And we are really looking forward to meeting old and new friends there!
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