Helvetica was not the first name for this now-iconic typeface.
Interested to learn more about this typeface?
What does Helvetica look like?
Photo:GearedBull Jim Hoodvia Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
This is not correct.
A typeface refers to a key in design and all of its variations.
Helvetica is a typeface.
Photo: Sara Barnes / My Modern Met
Fonts, on the other hand, refer to those specific variations.
Helvetica Bold 12pt is an example of a font.
With those terms in mind, lets discuss the characteristics of Helvetica.
An early Helvetica specimen. (Photo:Filip.vyska[CC BY-SA 4.0]via Wikimedia Commons)
Helvetica is aNeo-Grotesquestyle typeface.
Hoffmann knew that the word contained a complete range of characters that would help them evaluate the typefaces quality.
If Hamburgers was easy to read, Helvetica would achieve its goal.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Cory Seamer/Shutterstock
Why is Helvetica everywhere?
But while in vogue, it’s also invisible.
It isn’t too distinctive, and thats the point.
Ellen Lupton, curator of contemporary design at the Cooper-Hewitt, offers insight into its rise and longevity.
It provided something that designers wanted: a typeface apparently devoid of personality, she explains.
Helvetica met our craving for corporate vanilla.
Design solves a problem.
To appreciate Helveticas indelible mark on our culture, check out the documentaryHelveticaby Gary Hustwit.
