Abstract: The Art of Design is a documentary series that analyzes many, different facets of design. In this particular episode, Typeface Design, Jonathan Hoefler expounds on the intricacies of typography that often go unnoticed.
“Everything you have ever read has been shaped by a hand.”
Hoefler sheds light on the difficulty of making letters visually balanced. In typography, precise measurements do not always cut it. Therefore, typographers, like Jonathan must implement overshoot, balance, and contrast. Applying these elements to letters creates a unified typeface design. Jonathan also explains how typographers go about designing a new font. It is traditional to begin with “H” and “O” designs, because these letters together incorporate curved and straight lines. Starting with these letters sets the tone for the rest of the typeface.
Typography is a thankless practice. Before watching this documentary, I did not think about the designer behind the font. I had no idea where certain fonts came from, and I honestly did not care. However, now I see typography as a form of art. It takes the mundane act of communication and makes it come alive. Without unique fonts, our world would be insipid.
Font is all around us—through street signs, books, menus, watches etc. So much so, that we have become desensitized to it. I implore you to open your eyes to the numerous fonts around you. Think about how the typeface adds to the information being communicated. Be intentional as you navigate through life, taking in all of the design around you.
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