On Helvetica

I know I've blogged about Helvetica before. But..you guys seem to be fans, mostly, of my graphic design posts. Possibly because its fascinating stuff, and possibly its because its stuff you don't know much about - but realize after reading that you Should know...



This is Mike Parker (in the movie, Helvetica)
He talks about the figure/ground relationship that happens in the typeface (and in type in general) ...and he has sooo much passion!!! Maybe that is why you guys like reading about it - because...g.d.ers are just NERDS about something that seems So...simple.
But it isn't simple. Helvetica, is rather neutral. But whether you're trying to say "Keep Going!" ...you aren't going to write it in ...an "ultra light" Helvetica, no no, you put it in at least a Regular, if not Bold.
Beyond Helvetica, there is a time and place for ...hand done type. A place for type with perfectly rounded "o"s
I loved watching Helvetica with Jared, because...as a Graphic Designer, I'm aware of how Neat and prevalent in our capitalist society typefaces are... so many logos/corporations...swarming with Helvetica. ...But the average person, has No idea. I think that THAT is the importance of the movie. The simple fact that an entire documentary could be made on ONE typeface... that in itself speaks volumes.

mmmm tastey. tastey. type.

In other, related news... I would just like to say that my most recent, favorite typeface has been Akzidenz


which, before the movie, Helvetica, I had no idea that ...it is what Helvetica was derived from.... I'm just...happy to know that I used an alternative to the default, ...that inspired possibly one of hte greatest typefaces.... and picked it, just....Because. heh.


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Time to go....carve out a ring, eat spaghettio's and watch mythbusters.