For all the typography fans out there (such as me), here is an interesting article published by the Toronto Star in April 2007 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Helvetica font, declaring it “the official font of the 20th century”. Here’s an excerpt:
Typefaces generally rely on subtle alterations to make their impact. In his photo-heavy book Helvetica, designer Lars Muller praises the titular typeface for its “understated self-assurance” - describing it as if it were an especially pleasing glass of shiraz.
In the same book, designer Katherine McCoy goes further, arguing that, “The Helvetica Medium lower-case ‘a’… is the most beautiful two-dimensional form ever designed. Its luxurious sensual curves are balanced by points of crisp tension. Its lovely counter makes me think of Mozart.”
Why is Helvetica praised like this? Certainly no one is singing from the rooftops about Times New Roman. But Helvetica is more than simply a popular typeface. Many consider it the official typeface of the 20th century.
You can read the rest of the article here. And for a more technical exploration of the typeface, check out the Wikipedia article on Helvetica and the Typophile entry on the font.
Mike says:
it’s amazing how often you see can find helvetica around you everyday, so its no surprise that some regard it as the official typeface of the 20th century
Aug 13, 2008, 1:23 am