Helvetica is good but overused
Helvetica is one of the world’s most popular typefaces; you’ve probably already seen it multiple times today. It’s a Neo-Grotesque typeface, based largely on Akzidenz-Grotesk, my favorite typeface. Characterized by horizontal and vertical ends on all of its strokes and very …
Modernity came from Akzidenz-Grotesk
My favorite typeface, Akzidenz-Grotesk, literally translates to work font (commercial Grotesque). It was released in the late 1800s and has become one of the most widely used and influential typefaces created in the last 150 years. It’s a foundational typeface, …
Avenir was Frutiger’s Masterpiece
Designed by Adrian Frutiger in 1988, Avenir has grown in popularity, with even Frutiger calling it his “masterpiece.” Avenir shows a more humanist approach to early Geometric sans serifs (like Futura). Some people really hate Avenir, but I can’t see why. …
Univers (Helvetica’s rival)
Many think of Univers as a rival to Helvetica, the other uber-popular Neo-Grotesque sans serif. Side note: Neo-Grotesques draw inspiration from my favorite typeface: Akzidenz-Grotesk. Adrian Frutiger designed Univers in 1954. Frutiger is one of the most acclaimed type designers …