For those who haven't noticed, the Courier has been going through some design changes recently. If you are completely oblivious to these changes, just look at the top of the front page.
Making these changes and trying to balance fonts got me thinking about the subject of fonts, or typography if you like to be technical. The problem with typography is that, while I find myself incredibly passionate about fonts, styles and serifs, I have trouble finding anyone else who cares. So, to solve that dilemma, here is my list of five reasons why I give a damn about typography and why you should give a damn too.
1. It lets me be smug. Who doesn't love being a smug know-it-all on occasion? When someone shows you the menu of that new Italian/Chinese fusion restaurant, you can skip the predictable comments: insisting that it is a weird combination, and making jokes about General Tso ravioli and cannoli fortune cookies. Instead you can point out the foolish use of Arial, and let everyone know it’s really just the poor man’s Helvetica and its creators at IBM should treat it like the redheaded stepchild it is.
2. It can really set the mood. Certain fonts can work wonders for establishing the mood. Silly fonts like Curlz are great for writing notes to your BFF Janice about how Todd is a total dreamboat, but aren’t quite appropriate when it comes to a third notice about an overdue credit card. Side note: if anyone sends you a note in Wingdings, remind the person that was really cute in the third grade, and they are fucking moron.
3. It is backed by science. There is of a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo that shows how some fonts are easier and faster to read than others, not to mention they can also reduce dreaded eye fatigue. It should be noted that studies show hard-to-read fonts can actually increase what you remember from the readings. Perhaps all history books should be written in Comic Sans. On a serious note, never use Comic Sans. It’s not even ironic at this point.
4. It is a form of art. Typography is basically the art of the design world. Designers might talk about the cultural importance of Stanley Morrison to the world of typography and if he was really behind Times New Roman, or if William Starling Burgess was the real mastermind. These are real people. Go ahead and look them up.
5. Let’s face it — the subject is hip. There are literally thousands of fonts to choose from, from old standards that have stood the test of time, to brand new ones being uploaded online every day. There are tons of websites devoted to debating the merits of fonts. When the Android phone system launched, it created a new font rather than using an existing font. When Vietnam veteran John McCain was running for president, he used the same font as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial throughout the campaign.
Hopefully this compelling list will inspire people to become more passionate about typography. At the very least, maybe they will find a favorite font that is something besides Papyrus. And if not, I will carry on my passionate crusade to enlighten people about typography. Side note: personally, Plantin will always hold a special place in my heart when it comes to my favorite font.
http://www.westerncourier.com/opinions/why-i-give-a-damn-about-typography-and-why-you/article_2f1b7804-698c-11e2-a731-0019bb30f31a.html
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