Helvetica
June 8th, 2008
One of my recent acquisitions from Netflix was a documentary called Helvetica. It is about the typeface that single handedly changed design. To some it is the perfect typeface. To others, it’s everything a typeface shouldn’t be. Helvetica is a fascinating documentary that explores everything from the history, to how it dramatically changed design, to those who love and who hate the typeface.
Unless you are familiar and aware of Helvetica, you probably wouldn’t know that it is one of the most used typefaces around the world. The sheer ubiquitousness of the type is astounding. It’s used everywhere from airline logos, street signs, pamphlets, you likely won’t go one single day without seeing it somewhere.
Many of the interviews with graphic designers are hysterical and offer some insight into how the font changed design for better and worse. Interestingly enough, it’s the type of documentary that leaves you thinking about how you feel about typefaces in general. Not just what type is used, but how it’s used and whether or not it’s used effectively to convey the right message.
Overall, I’m in love with Helevetica. The movie and the typeface.
