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 …

Gill Sans, the Humanist to beat

Based on the alphabet designed by Edward Johnston for the London Underground, Eric Gill’s Gill Sans has become one of the most popular Humanist sans serifs around. It’s strokes take influence from real pen strokes, with moderate to high stroke …