Helvetica Isn’t Just a Font; It’s a Font Worthy of Awe

helvetica_notebooks.gif

Okay. Paying homage to a font is either acknowledging an undervalued aspect of the cultural exchange, or else very clever fucking marketing. But how many typefaces do you personally know that has its own documentary and a show at the MoMa?

Yes. We saw the latter with our own eyes. Gawk at the marvel that is the Chicago Public Library ad. Note the rakishness with which American Apparel robs Helvetica of its innocence. Observe with what candor and personality it reports the names of the Beatles.

How can one disarming typeface be so multi-faceted? We thought it was perfection in simplicity, but it might be its 80 faces.

If you are a sucker (or a decadent postmodernist or maybe just a big font-fan) of exceptional proportions, nail a double-sided Helvetica notebook. But why stop there? Helvetica would be an awesome name for your firstborn. We’re sure he (or she) wouldn’t hate you at all when time came to do the resume rounds or apply for college.

Picture of Steve Hall

Steve Hall

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

8 common greetings that instantly turn people off when they first meet you

8 common greetings that instantly turn people off when they first meet you

Global English Editing

8 things well-meaning people say that secretly annoy everyone else

8 things well-meaning people say that secretly annoy everyone else

Global English Editing

7 signs your inner critic has too much control over your life, according to psychology

7 signs your inner critic has too much control over your life, according to psychology

Global English Editing

8 phrases people with excellent social skills use in everyday conversation

8 phrases people with excellent social skills use in everyday conversation

Global English Editing

7 everyday distractions successful people always avoid, according to psychology

7 everyday distractions successful people always avoid, according to psychology

Global English Editing

Phrases men use when they lack basic communication skills

Phrases men use when they lack basic communication skills

Global English Editing