What the brief should not be is a superficial one, celebrating the typeface for its visual merit doesn't explore much in terms of our own interpretation nor is it an original idea. There should be an underlying rationale that will give the point of celebrating Univers a purpose and a point for discussion.
Why we like Univers
A highly versatile sans serif typeface that can be used purely for function or decoration.
It is excellent for headline text due to its well proportioned design whilst its short ascenders and descenders on the lowercase make it suitable for copy.
The wide range of weights from thin ultra condensed to extra black extended give the typesetter a multitude of options to help create their designs, limiting the need to use another typeface to suit the specific need.
Frutiger developed a numbering system to differentiate each weight. The first digit defines weight, while the second defines width and whether it is oblique or not.
The look of the typeface itself sets it apart from other sans serifs and when used effectively, can become very characteristic, despite its quiet design.
Possible directions for the brief
A historical appreciation of the typeface
Flipping the traditional functional use of Univers and reinterpreting it for artistic means.
Determining what the future means for the application of Univers, a typeface famous in its earlier years
Being that it was designed by French type foundry Deberny & Peignot in 1957, the brief could be a way to reinterpret analog design techniques such as hot metal typesetting and photo typesetting in the modern age.
To use the typeface to create new visual forms to challenge the form and function originally intended.
To have a possible exhibition alongside the brief that gets user submitted artwork to promote the celebration of the typeface.
The look of the typeface itself sets it apart from other sans serifs and when used effectively, can become very characteristic, despite its quiet design.
Possible directions for the brief
A historical appreciation of the typeface
Flipping the traditional functional use of Univers and reinterpreting it for artistic means.
Determining what the future means for the application of Univers, a typeface famous in its earlier years
Being that it was designed by French type foundry Deberny & Peignot in 1957, the brief could be a way to reinterpret analog design techniques such as hot metal typesetting and photo typesetting in the modern age.
To use the typeface to create new visual forms to challenge the form and function originally intended.
To have a possible exhibition alongside the brief that gets user submitted artwork to promote the celebration of the typeface.
No comments:
Post a Comment