Last week I took a trip down to London to a film screen of Helvetica. A great weekend from all angles, with it being not only a chance to view this screening but to also experience only a side dish of what the west end’s design culture has to offer. (I can’t until my placement year!)

Definition: Helvetica is the name of a widely used sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Swiss graphic designer Max Miedinger.

‘A widely used sans-serif typeface’. Hrm, I think that could well be an understatement. Its remarkable how much this typeface is used and I found it truly informative to discover not only its origins but also where you can find it today. I can safely say that for most of my 6 hour journey home I couldn’t help looking for its traces.

Another thing I brought away from the film was the fact I hadn’t until now realised the significance that the work of David Carson brought to the type and design world. I think his work is astounding and after learning more about the history of type from Helvetica, I respect how much of a legend he, and the other designers who were interviewed actually are.

For anyone interested in design and type I would strongly recommend Helvetica; an informative and also intriguing look on today’s world of type. Well directed, well researched and very comical. Nicely done Gary Hustwit.

What typeface shall is use…….Comic Sans of course!

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