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I LOVE TYPOGRAPHY

Sunday Type: Crap Type

La Twist et le Prix

Ever since my dreadful toilet paper analogy, that innocuous little roll has been haunting me. Here it is again, from SwissMiss:

crap-type.jpg

And on the same theme here is some more type. This one is called Twist:

twist_spec.gif

It’s one of those typefaces that should come with a health warning rather than a license. And you’ll probably never guess who created this typeface. Well, if I tell you this is one of Christian Schwartz‘s early efforts, would you believe me? It’s hard to believe that the same guy who was on the team that created FF Meta Serif created the above…what can say? What adjective is worthy of the above typeface? Well, let me quote Christian himself:

this is the worst of my worst. This typeface is god-awful. It was an experiment in building characters in a modular way that didn’t really work out, and I apologize to anyone who actually bought a copy.

I think it’s thoroughly refreshing–even inspiring–that such a distinguished type designer can show the world some of his own type disasters. So if your early efforts at type design look anything like the above, then don’t despair; you could go on to create something truly brilliant like FF Bau, FF Unit, or Neutraface. I wonder if there are any other type designers out there who’d like to share some of their duds?

bau_spec.gif

Interestingly, Christian was something of a child type prodigy, releasing his first typeface, aged…wait for it…14! Also, I’m sure you’ll join with me in congratulating Christian on being awarded the eighth Prix Charles Peignot. A wonderful achievement. Jean François Porchez (former winner of the prize himself, and outgoing president of ATypI), had this to say,

His accomplished work displays incredible diversity and high quality. ATypI is honored to have him amongst its members.

The news item on the ATypI site says, “A booklet commemorating this year’s award has been published by the Association.” Does anyone know how to get hold of this? Can it be purchased?

Search and You Shall Find

Now that iLT is growing (in terms of the number of articles), it’s time to have a search option. That feature should be live next week.

Wallpapers

Thousands of you have already downloaded the iLT wallpapers. Lots more new ones have recently been submitted; I’ll post them to the site upon my return home to Japan.

two_slate_thumb.jpg

One reader (he shall remain anonymous–for his own safety) submitted an I Love Erik Spiekermann wallpaper set in Arial; the most ironic submission thus far. Anyway, although his wallpaper made me smile, it won’t be available for download.

Sizing Text in CSS

Richard Rutter has written an excellent article on How to Size text in CSS for A List Apart. And if you haven’t read Richard’s The Elements of Typographic Style Applied to the Web, then do.

If you got excited about the release of Meta Serif, you will love The Making of FF Meta Serif on Unzipped. A fascinating insight into the work that goes into making a good typeface.

meta-serif-grey.jpg

Alec Julien brought my attention to this book design review blog. Some great covers, and some nice type.

books.jpg

A Tale of Tortured Type

Lauren Marie kindly sent me this link. A wonderful example of what not to do with type. It will take you about 0.2 seconds to spot this little gem. This one is so bad it hurts. Perhaps we need a rogues gallery; perhaps it could be named in honour of this logo–something like Beyond Bad Type. And if you don’t know your points from your picas, then head on over to Lauren’s Using Points and Picas post.

And finally…

I won’t be posting as frequently during the next two weeks; I hope you can be patient. Upon my return home to Japan, we’ll have a type feast. I’m really excited about what’s to come on iLT. We have some big names lined up, and some real quality content to come, from typeface reviews, a series of articles on the language of type, some new faces, biographies, interviews, and lots, lots more. You’re going to be so filled with type goodness, that you’ll need to take a vacation between posts.

I’ve been thoroughly impressed by all your contributions, and even the attitude of the professional typographers and type designers who kindly educate and inspire through their words in the comments. I get as much pleasure from reading the comments as I do from writing for iLT. Thanks, everyone, and have a great week.

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