Typography Comes Alive

The major reason why I decided to take a typography class was that for years, I came across people that could look at a sign or marketing material and they'd yell out what font family was used. For example, we'd be in a discussion about books and book covers and someone would randomly shout out that it, "was a bold choice to use New Wingdings Gothic*, when it is only available in capitals and they could have fit the entire subheading on the cover if they'd used PlayUnfair Bold*." 

It seemed like they had some weird archaic knowledge, to be able to not only point out the ones they used but to also suggest an option that would work better. Being a fan of weird and lesser known things, I wanted a piece of this powerful voodoo for myself. 

Turns out, it's not so weird or arcane and being a typophile is nothing like the X-Files. We are surrounded by type everyday and there are very specific reasons why say, a "Stop" sign uses Highway Gothic or our federal courts eshew using Garamond.

It's actually amazing how we all take this stuff for granted. Three weeks in and I almost feel claustrophobic with all of the typography that surrounds me every day. The bookcase next to me has gone from fading into the background to a never ending cacophony of book titles clammering for my attention. 

Typography is an important part of design and reinforces the message, who knew?

*I made those two typefaces up.