If You Were a Typeface…

Before I left for TypeCon last week I jokingly twittered about people dressing up as their favorite typefaces. But then I got to thinking, what would I dress up as? Well, someday we should all get together and do that, but for now, let’s do the next best thing. With a nod to Barbara Walters (even if not entirely accurate):

If you were a typeface, what would you be?

Before you answer, consider this for a bit more fun: You could answer with your most-favorite or most-used typeface, but let’s make this more interesting. Answer with the typeface whose qualities best resemble your own. Plus, give some good biographical info on the typeface—year, designer, background, etc. Fun and informative! I’ll go first:

I am Trade Gothic

Trade Gothic was designed in 1948 by Jackson Burke, a book and type designer from California. The typeface is a simple grotesk that remains a common choice for books, magazines, and newspapers due to its spacious counters and legibility. It portrays a wonderful character and sturdiness, especially in condensed weights.

I associate with it most, not just for its loveliness, but for how honest it is. Trade Gothic is sturdy and simple with little flourish or fuss. It’s dependable, industrious, plays well with other typefaces, and can often be the anchor for structure to be spun from in a design.

OK, your turn.


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