Hermann Zapf is a self-taught designer. He started his freelance career in 1938, doing calligraphy and book design. The type foundry Stempel in Frankfurt appointed Zapf as art director (1947–56). He also taught lettering at the Werkkunstschule in Offenbach (1948–50). Zapf became a consultant to Mergentahler Linotype in Brooklyn and Berlin (1956–74). In 1960 Zapf was appointed a professor at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. Zapf also taught lettering and typography in Darmstadt, (1972–81), was professor of computer typography at the Rochester Institute of Technology, New York (1977–87) and was chairman of Zapf, Burns & Co., NY (1987–91). Among his many awards are: Silver Medal, Brussels, 1962; F.W. Goudy Award, New York, 1969; Gutenberg Prize, Mainz, 1974; Robert Middleton Award, Chicago, 1987; Honorary Royal Designer for Industry, London, 1989; Euro Design Award, 1994. Among his typefaces are Palatino, Melior, Aldus, Optima, Comenius, Zapf Book and Zapf Dingbats.