Saturday, June 18, 2011

Consider the Letter

I've heard stories about how after Steve Jobs took a basic typography class, it changed the way that he looked at things.

Take a closer look at how a letter is constructed, how a dot sits on an "i", how the shape of a letter affects the form or a word, and you can appreciate how beautiful a letter really is. How well designed it is.


It's obvious to me, that this type class really helped Steve Jobs, and by extension, Apple, create computers, and phones, and other devices that were really well designed. And in some cases really beautiful. Remember the first iMacs? All in one, colorful, easy to use computers. They were everywhere. You would turn on the news and a reporter would have one sitting behind them.

And it all started with a simple type class.

Not only should type communicate, but it should hold your interest and, if successful cause an emotional reaction. Type, with the help of fonts, should feel like what it's saying.

I thought about type a lot, when putting together the new release for June 28th. Played around with mixing typefaces, how they work together. And how they would work with the images. Who would, when looking at a line or two of type, think there would be so much to think about? I may be a little nuts about type, but I think you are worth it.

4 comments:

carole (TruCarMa) said...

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!! (Picture me as Sally in the diner with Harry) You get me. You really do! And THIS is exactly why I ADORE The Cat's Pajamas. And you, of course, Miss Meowy. :)

Cassie said...

I believe that Steve Jobs was dyslexic, so I can see why he was so fascinated with the shapes of letters. He probably had to be. We deal with letters all the time, because my son is dyslexic. It makes me look at them in a whole new light.

Mixing typefaces sounds fun! Can't wait to see what you've come up with :D

Susan (susiestampalot) said...

Alma, very well put and I agree wholeheartedly! I've been asked, "how do you know what (sticker) letters to use or what font when creating a scrapbook page or card"? I say it's got to match the feeling you are creating. My fontiments exactly!

Cindy Major said...

I can't wait to see what you've come up it. And I think you were right to put a lot of thoughts into your sentiments' type because this is what takes a fun sentiment to the next level. There are so little sentiment to choose from on the French market and those that are available are often really standard or even drab. I wish they would use some fun script alphabets or mix up various fonts in one sentence. I feel the font can chance the whole feel of the card, from fun to elegant to whimsical to masculine.

Wish I had more English friends to send cards to... ;)

Cindy

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