Design Rails

I am a big fan of Helvetica. You will find that previous statement is evident in my graphic design work. I feel joy when working with a well thought out grid with an appropriately set baseline, and if that grid and baseline has a friend called Helvetica, then that is a golden moment.

I first realized the power of locking type to a baseline while working with my friend Mark Gowing quite a few years back. (I have not seen Mark for a few years. So, hi Mark if your reading this, we'll talk soon). There is something so aesthetically pleasing about Helvetica, that even until this day, it is a quality I cannot find in any other typeface. Helvetica has the ability to polarize a room. The room is often divided into two absolute camps. Those who despise Helvetica and those, like myself, who adore Helvetica and hold it in near holy status.

Why the love for Helvetica? Because after working with Helvetica for a number of years, there will be a very good chance you will grow fond of the simple practical nature of the typeface. Helvetica has the ability to fade into the background, if say, the focus of the design is not the type, but perhaps on an image or graphic element instead, or it has the awesome ability to be the very focus of the design, to become the image on the page.

Helvetica – A documentary film by Gary Hustwit, is a must see. Even for non–designers, the documentary offers great insight and offers understanding and opinion from some of the worlds most influential Graphic Designers and Typographers.

Below is just one of the trailers for the Helvetica film. The trailer features Wim Crouwel the Dutch Graphic Designer and Typographer.