Ever since the arrival of postmodernism, a designer doesn't have to strive to be be original, they can often just fall back on well-executed pastiche. Bookcases of design studios are filled with graphic references just waiting to be copied for the next brief or assignment. Which is precisely why the St Bride Printing Library's annual conference (a two day event with talks from practicing creatives in the graphic design industry) is this year all about "Seeking Inspiration". Dazed Digital caught up with some of the those involved in the conference to find out what is currently turning them on in the world of typography.

Dazed Digital: What's your favourite typeface and why?
Rob Banham (chairman of Friends of St Bride Library): Parisine by Jean-Francois Porchez, used in the Paris metro – it works for absolutely everything.
Bryan Loke, designer for St Bride Library:Plantin, because it's always appropriate.
Agata Wycichowska, designer: TC Lubalin graph, because we're using it now.
George Hardie, speaker at the conference:Gill.

DD: Is the pen always mightier than the sword?
RB: Yes.
BL: Only if it's yellow.
AW: It depends on the situation, you can write with both.
GH: It has to be.