Since watching Helvetica, I have a new appreciation for
typography and visual design. The 1950’s
were an imperative time for the exploration of new fonts, and of course the era
of Helvetica’s invention.
What I found most intriguing was the simple fact that
Helvetica has yet to change. Sure the invention of technology outdated cutting
the letters from steel, but besides computers, Helvetica is, by all standards, perfect. This is
incredibly surprising to me because we are in an age of endless change,
discovery of technology and constant competition to discover the new.
Helvetica, founded at the Haas Type- Foundry, defines the
concept, “Short and Sweet.” A simple, legible creation that can literally be
seen on or within every street sign, retail shop and restaurant.
Typography is an art. Sure, the average viewer overlooks the
details, and even I, prior to watching Helvetica had little appreciation for
the design. The greatest line in the movie was when a typographer stated that
it is not the black that creates the letter, but rather the white, the space
that literally holds the shape still.
