OUGD403 Study Task 1

Helvetica
Helvetica is a Swiss typeface designed by Max Miedinger that is universally used. Simon Garfield states that Helvetica is "ubiquitous because it fulfils so many demands for modern type." This is evident as it can be used for widely different applications, for example it is used in American Apparel shops all over the world right down to the New York Subway. Some other major uses in terms of logos and brand identity include; American Airlines, Staples, Evian, Jeep and The North Face. 

Bodoni

Named after Giamattista Bodoni, who many called 'The King of Printers', Bodoni is a range of serif typefaces. Bodoni seems to be used for many logos and logotypes such as Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Lady Gaga, Vogue and Nirvana. The use of each of these are very bold and stand-alone, in contrast to the Helvetica logos that I mentioned earlier where most use some sort of image/illustration along with the type.

Garamond

Garamond is the name of a group of serif fonts named after Claude Garamond. Garamond is considered to be one of the most legible and readable typefaces due to it's consistency and natural flow. This makes it understandable that it is used in children's books such as Dr. Suess and Harry Potter amongst other popular print.

Futura

In 1927 Paul Renner designed Futura by taking inspiration from geometric shapes which were highly popular during the Bauhaus design movement. Although Renner wasn't a Bauhaus designer or really associated with Bauhaus, he did share the idea and concept of the movement, especially with Futura. When it comes to Bauhaus products, it's function over form, which means they should work well above looking good, but if both can be achieved it's advantageous. With Futura, Renner cut back all of the none essential decorative features which can be seen in the near perfect O, a continuous line of even weight. 

Century Expanded

Century Expanded is part of the Century family which took inspiration from the original Century Roman family. Although Century Expanded is only the slightest bit wider, the expansion is upwards allowing for more characters per line. This alteration makes it useful for magazines, books and newspapers. 

Times Roman

Times Roman, one of the most used typefaces in history was first introduced in 1931 after The Times commissioned Victor Lardent to create a new typeface after The Times received criticism for being badly printed. The Times used the font for forty years before changing to many different variants of the typeface, making it widely popular. This popularity was expanded when Microsoft made it the default font on many of their programs and web browsers. Due to the sheer numbers that this font was made available to it makes it one of the most popular in the world.



When are you happiest?
When I'm out with friends

What is your happiest memory?
Going on holiday with my mates

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Calling my art teacher 'mum'.

What makes you unhappy?
When people get overly stressed

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Taylor Swift's first two albums

What is your favourite hobby?
Watching films

Where is your favourite place?
My bedroom probably

What's your typeface?

I'm choosing Futura as 'my' font as it is widely used for film posters and advertisements. This relates directly to what inspires my work  and what I enjoy doing. Examples of this can be seen on posters for films such as; Gravity, American Beauty, The Social Network, Zodiac and 2001: A Space Odyssey. This typeface is suitable for these films as they're either dealing with very current and modern issues or are set in the near-future. I think this relates to me as I like to keep up to date with current trends and movements whether that be film, fashion, music or world affairs.