We just got back from seeing a documentary on typography, Helvetica. Did you know that this typeface is just now celebrating its 50th year? It hasn’t been around that long but it’s everywhere you look. I know, you are probably thinking I’ve lost my mind because why else would I be interested in a font, but being that I’m married to a graphic designer who also does calligraphy, fonts are something we do talk about sometimes.
When we found out this indie film was being shown at the AFI Film festival we had to go. It was really exciting to hear the prespectives from some of the most well-known graphic designers in the world and they are so freaking witty to boot. Anyway, if this ever shows in your part of the world do go see it.
After all as one of the designers said, typography affects everyone because if you read something with the wrong typeface you will know it because it will be hard to read the text. See, I did bring all around to talk about books somehow.
Anyway, regular book talk resumes tomorrow. I have to tell you about book mooches and a trip to Half Price Books.
Wow, I didn’t know fonts had birthdays! That’s mighty interesting. =)
I am studying to be a graphic designer and have already been through Typography 1 & 2 – some of my favorite classes have to do with type! Your husband might enjoy this blog http://www.graphicdesignbar.com/forum.html, where I first heard about the documentary.
Josette – I know, isn’t that neat!
Stephanie – Have you gotten a chance to see the documentary? It’s so good. We are already wondering when it’ll be out on video! Thank you for the blog link! I will check it out too and pass it along to the husband 🙂
As weird as it sounds I think typography is sort of interesting. I would love to learn more about book design, including typefaces. That documentary will never come to Omaha, so I will have to try and get it through Netflix someday!
OK, I definitely need to see that film now and sorry I had to miss it! I need that to my Must See list. I am off to see Bella tonight so I will have to report on that tomorrow…
I haven’t yet seen the documentary, but would love to do so! I’ve got so much to do coming up in the next few months that I don’t know if I will make it out to see it. If it does come on DVD, let me know!
I love it when books have a “Note on the Type” in the back. This appears less and less these days it seems, but I always read it. However, please don’t ask me to tell you anything about type because I forget what I read about it almost as fast as I read it. I will have to lookk out for the film though because it sounds interesting. Helvetica is nice but I prefer Geneva but will settle for Verdana. Though I am rather fond of Arial too 🙂
Danielle – I find it fascinating too. And, I think you’d really enjoy this film!
Christine – We missed you and yes, it is a must see for you. I know Michael just loved seeing some of his favorite designers.
Stephanie – I’m keeping my eyes open for the DVD so I’ll let you know if I hear about it. Also, they have a blog on the film’s web site which is neat too.
Stefanie – I always read those too! 🙂 I prefer fonts with serifs simply because I think it helps people figure out how to say my name! ha,ha. If I type a capital “i” and then the “l” they both look almost alike and weird pronounciations ensue.
Interesting!!! I’m going to keep my eye out for it.
Fonts are important. They are our book friends.
One pays special attention to fonts when reading eBooks, because you have the ability to change them on the fly.
Cool. I noticed last week that this would be playing in a film festival here and I’ve had my eye on it.
Nope, didn’t know that! But, I used to have a font book that I used to do lettering for my school newspaper, waaaay back in high school. I’d be willing to bed I never threw the thing away. 😉
Sorry, “bet” I never threw the thing away. And, I meant I had a book of various lettering types available in rub-on form. My journalism teacher thought I had a knack for copying lettering, so I flipped through it and chose a design whenever I needed to do lettering in advertisements. Hope that makes more sense than what I wrote in the last post!!!
Heather T. – Do look for it and if you see it you’ll have to tell me what you thought!
Isabel – Yes they are! 🙂
Gavin – You can change the fonts in eBooks? Wow. I’ve never used one so I didn’t know. That’s cool.
Sassymonkey – What other fun films will be at your festival? Our festival is still going on so I may try to go catch another one.
Nancy – I did those rub-on letters too! I had to take one semester of graphic design in college and we had to do everything by hand. It was really fun but intense. So yes your post made sense 🙂
It depends which eBook software you use. But most give you a selection to choose from and programs like eReader release font-packs that you can add-on.