GQ Issue Nov. 2012 homepage mock-up layout #2

GQ Issue Nov. 2012 homepage mock-up layout #1

Helvetica - Documentary

          Helvetica was a very informative and inspiring documentary. I don’t think I’ll look at fonts or typefaces the same way. Whether it is expressive with animations or simple with bold plaintext letters, there was some sort of rationale or plan behind the decision. In the documentary, someone one who was interviewed called Helvetica the typeface of “modern society”. I couldn’t agree more based on the countless advertisements, storefronts, road signs, and practically every informative sign that used Helvetica. Helvetica is definitely ubiquitous. It is extremely clear, neat, legible and professional.

           On the other hand, while some believe that Helvetica is the typeface of modern society and the most popular typeface, others such as Erik Spiekermann in the documentary, calls it “bad taste”. He goes on to say that typefaces should be handwritten, with contrast and rhythm, something Helvetica lacks. In addition, he calls Helvetica a “default” typeface, one that everyone uses and breathes. I can’t say I do not agree with Spiekermann and I can’t say I do. I simply believe that there’s a typeface fitted for particular mediums and situations. And Helvetica’s smoothness and clarity just fits for most.

Before watching the documentary, I did not know fonts were created with so much analytical focus, such as analyzing the counters, the spacing, how curved strokes relate to straight strokes, or whether it has a serif or sans serif, and how it speaks to the readers. All of these points were part of the thought process in creating typefaces and I was definitely impressed.