Wednesday, 29 October 2014

Concise, Informative, Uniformed, Beautiful, Art. Apple mac serial label

Informative and neat, yet well designed and intriguing. The use of black and white is primitive but in truth, it doesn't need anything more. The vertical strokes of the barcodes juxtaposing the vertical lines produce an aesthetically pleasing result. The typography of both the letters and numbers are legible and are not to dis-similar to ones used from a typewriter. I like the Zero and the fact it has a strong stroke dissecting it. I think that this example of Label Typography is far to beautiful to be wasted on the back of a box. It doesn't contain an apple logo but it is still clear through the design and its simplicity that it is of an apple product.

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Noticable, Informative, Bold, Capital, Brand? Parental Advisory sticker

Upper case and perfectly legible due to a strong X-height. It is there to be read and to serve its purpose as a warning and to be informative. It is important that it is legible to both parents and children in order to convey the explicit content of the material. The black and white creates an eye catching image that is recognisable across all platforms and is accessible through an array of media platforms. The low contrast lettering increases readability and approachability to all demographics. It is an image in which i recognise from my childhood, when attempting to rebel against middle class family by listening to white rap music such as Eminem. A strong image and a symbolic example of Label Typography.

Monday, 27 October 2014

Urban, Sports, Noticable, Wearable, perfect. Adidas t shirt including logo

A lower case sans-serif example of fashion Label Typography. The clear white well rounded text, with a good x-height is an exquisite example of simple typefaces working well. The accompaniment of the simple trefoil adidas classic logo only exaggerates adidas brand image, but in truth i find that the typography would work alone and doesn't necessarily need the logo. The ascenders are short and attractively sharp and create an interesting letter relationship. The repetition of shape of the lower case d and a provides a simple repetitive design.

Sunday, 26 October 2014

Simple, Sans-Serif, Sexy, Subtle, Subjective. North Face Logo

A glorious example of how simple single-case lettering can be so successful. The spacing is minimal but yet for me the legibility is perfect. I don't struggle, in fact, i embrace it. I find the white and blue a perfect example of the universality of the typeface. The logo has been ever present with a small simple 3 layered design. The North Face has enjoy a resurgence in popularity within street fashion and younger individuals. It is no longer seen as just a winter warmer but a fashion necessity. A timeless and iconic example of Label Typography

Erratic, Erotic, Eccentric, Excessive, Exhuberant. My personal peculiar colleciton of labels & stickers

My collection of Stickers. To me it shows the variety in which Label Typography behold. These examples are randomly collected throughout the past few months. They show a variety of Typefaces, styles and colours. My personal favourites are the angular devilish 'Carver' and the handwritten 'Whatever'. I find stylistically the Muji label clean as an even upper-case sans-serif printed white on red. It is coupled with intricate oriental print. Although a completely random composition, it is an example of me. It works nicely on the lime green Mac case.

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Simple, Effective, Alcoholic, Wet Yet Dry. Red Stripe bottle and branding

This in truth is a subtle dig at my peer, Liam, who i believe dug us a grave by choosing Conceptual Typography  as in truth it is such a challenging theme. In my mind conceptual typography would be words or letters that say so much more than there letter values. The words hold representations, theories or meanings and aren't just read but are deliberated over. 

So the choice of this Typeface on the Red Stripe beer bottle to me was a metaphorical 2 fingers to the idea of conceptual typography and to Liam this is because this is the most basic, infantile example of thought provoked type that i could find. The white connected sans-serif italic font printed in white on a curvaceous red stripe. The logo is literally a red stripe, wow so conceptual. It fulfils the brand name and provides a simple brand image for a popular Jamaican beverage.

Angry, Symbolic, Revolutionary, Propaganda, Bold, Aggression. Mother Fucker protest, London


Very aggressive, with hand written type in bold black low contrast upper-case letters. It isn't slap dash however, with the R's being of similar height and size and are quite meticulously drawn. The S on the other hand is poor, the shapes look as if mistakes were made and attempted to be fixed. But, it conveys its angry message well. I find that that the SSE, E-ON AND EDF work a lot better than the power as they have clear connotations to the letters in which they are replacing. 

The British Gas logo and Scottish Power logo are in truth not needed as they ruin the white space between the line spacing. Not cool, I am into my white space and minimalism. A strong angry example of Conceptual Typography its clear to see within the aggressive phrase the deep hatred that these protestors have for the oligopolistic energy suppliers. 

Revolutionary, Innovative, Bold, Risky. Shepard Fairey propaganda poster



Erratic, Sexy, Provocative, Handmade, cult. Tracey Emin's array of Neon works












Sunday, 12 October 2014

Repeated, Welcoming, Friendly, Enticing. Coca-Cola branding in general


This may seem like such a peculiar choice for the brief of Invisible Typography, as it is such a globally dominating brand that you can't help but see it. I just question, if you see something too much does it becomes invisible. The typography that is visible in the logo for Coca-Cola is exquisitely made with an old style italicised scripture printed in white on red. When i see this on a day to day basis, i don't see the typeface nor the letter shapes, what it says or anything do with the words. I automatically think coke, its instantaneous from its appearances its bottle shape, colour, product colour its imbedded within my brain. This theory is proven with Coke changing their logo to the customers names.

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Hidden, Secretive, Scripture. Tattoo hidden safely in my glorious armpit



I chose to have my tattoo in a discrete place so that i could convey and display it if i wish. The serif script isn't particular legible but it is still comfortable to read. It is my own piece of Invisible Typography which i can carry at all times.

I sometimes question the shape of the letters and how they are slightly imperfect but i guess that exaggerates the hand written element of the piece and makes it more individual and for those who are interested writing about myself doesn't make me a narcissist.


Thursday, 9 October 2014

White-wash, Plain, Elegant, Decorative, Street. Stefan Janoski Sneaker









                Excuse my dirty shoes.
Pale coloured text, on a white shoe, with white stitching, white material and white lacing. Almost seamlessly blends in as part of the design. I consider this to be an example of Invisible Typography. I believe this to be a sleek bit of design work by the team at Nike to create an elegant all white exterior. The fact it is made out of leather and not canvas also exaggerates the value of the shoe and almost juxtaposes its nature of being for skateboarding. The nike swoosh is also in white stitch.

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Concise, Unselfish, Important, Informative. Madrid Metro Map

Does what it has to do. The typography isn't brash in truth i don't even notice it. I couldn't care less if it was serif or sans-serif, whether it was Upper or Lower case all i want to do is be able to read the thing and i can. I have no problems in manoeuvring myself around central Madrid. The typography doesn't attract your attention and does what its supposed to it is completely Invisible. 

Sunday, 5 October 2014

Ritual, Repetitive, Revitalised. Collection of Bull posters, Madrid

A collection of both new and old Plaza de Toros posters in which i found located across Madrid. But, only one containing what i would state to be stereotypical Spanish Typography. The poster with the bull head as it centre piece and below a curvaceous probably hand drawn almost bone like lettering form this could have a connotation to the horn of the bulls. The letters are all juxtaposing size including upper and lower case but the X-Height of the letters still differ within its similar case. This adds to me, an element of the hand made and artistry.  This is coupled with an ornate addition of a collection of coloured flowers and clear upper case text depicting information. 

This is a very peculiar juxtaposition to the other posters which i found which were more clear and expressive with its information instead of aesthetics. I like the blue text on white, the poster is clearly deteriorated and graffiti ridden but still i find visually stimulating with informative black and white imagery paired with legible block text. Alike the Villaviciosa poster i found, which combines colour imagery and text to create a contemporary poster but still with holds the Spanish tradition of the Bull Fight.




Friday, 3 October 2014

Vintage, Mosaic, Greek? Decorative piece outside of Restaurant, Atocha



Peculiar use of colour, not quintessentially spanish but still ornate and decorative also depicting a very peculiar image, a more Mediterranean image somewhere more suitably found in Greece or Italy. The restaurant served very traditional Spanish fairs, and according to my translation - Comidas de Encargo - Caterer really does suggest that the design was created a fair amount of years ago. It isn't expressive nor over complicated, simply stating that this establishment will cater for you.

It is intricate and intriguing and a fine artistic example of how typography can be created. I really enjoy the shape of the letters and the peculiar top-heavy shape to the R and the slant on the C. An interesting piece of Spanish Typography.

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Power, Patriotism, Quintessentially Spanish. Spanish Flag found in Market.

Strong embossed typography depicting the colours of the spanish national flag. The text is bordered by a solid black outline to creative a definitive finishing point for the strong upper case lettering. Which almost scream Spain in every letter! Another reason i chose this is because of the ~ above the n. ñ. I just looked up on google how to do that, i feel like i'm learning. This is something which lead me straight away to include this as one of my example of Spanish Typography. It is a very strong patriotic piece, it even exaggerates the importance of the shield/coat of arms on the flag by centralising it, from it slight left position. It screams spanish culture in abundance and wouldn't look out of place emblazoned on the back of a deeply passionate spanish footballer or in the arms of a Matador. 
 


For some reason, i see a read cloth in Spain, the connotations are always made in my mind. I include a picture of a Matador, I am not sure why, as in truth most know what it is. I just think its the kind of thing that people usually put on blogs? Not that i really read blogs. Ok, maybe it is a personal misconception, but i'm putting it in anyway. Man that bull looks angry.  

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

I wonder which 'Wanka' created this abomination. Ulanka facades, Gran Via

This absolute farce which i saw has no understanding of other cultures and phrases. Yes, it does take on a swanky calligraphic approach but come on, once i've seen this once, i can't un-see it! This screams to me Spanish Typography, as they have not taken in to account what people may read it as from my demographic. A westernised dirty minded young infantile childish mischievous individual such as my self, or in truth most Brits or Americans do not read 'Ulanka'. 

Nice try.

Friday, 26 September 2014

Concise, Simple, Playful, Interactive, Tangible. A black and white publication by Edward Shrewsbury


The use of typography intrigues me not only does it represent strong, emphatic, well spaced and positioned reading material but helps create a relationship between words. Two juxtaposing words have a connection and through the sharing of a shape (which on its own serves no purpose) aids to the completion of a fine example of playful typography. The words are given texture and tangibility by the addition of reciprocal dimensions. The clean smooth edges of the Sans-serif font produces an easily readable but still playful piece. The colours are minimalistic and suggest formality and rigidity but the exuberant nature of the artists mind is visible in abundance. I find it stimulating and a pleasant change to the usual black and white, minimalist, contemporary, supposed avant-garde bullshit which floods the media. Which in truth bores me, although a typography novice, to floods of tears. I'm sure one day i'll learn to be one of the 'Cool Gang'. I think the photographs taken on antique wood add a nice antithesis to the clinical nature of the paper and print.



Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Simple, Formal, Elegant, Sophisticated, Street? Norse Project Corduroy Snapback Label

Such simple Typography. Very clean, easily readable when large. The peculiar viscosity of the letters creates a struggled and strained viewing experience within the small uppercase letters. I find it quite estranged that the external branded label has such an elaborate and extended amount of information. It is very minimalist but due to the intriguing typography I think it has a design that is niche and holds the company in higher esteem than other companies. 


I think the use of simple black Sans-serif text on white has a primitive quality but due to its unfamiliarity its simplicity shouts class and precision.

Clear, Readable, Approachable, On Trend, Revolutionary? Obey T-Shirt Design

Cool use of colour, imagery. Shepard Fairey design, renowned for use of red, white and black. Political connotation, similar to art works of Barbara Kruger. 

The typography is a Sans-serif font and has soft and easily readable typography. The lack of sharp edges to me suggest an almost infantile like bubble writing.

The raised finger and slogan message suggest an inverted and subdued fuck off to mass media and authority. T-shirts like this are popular with want-a-way supposed anti-conformists who become hypocrites by confirming to wear an overpriced fashion brand. That i comment i think makes more sense in my head, than on paper. I am one of these Anti-conforming conformists. 

Street, Grungy, Hip-Hop, Dirty. Reading Festival 2013


Rough, stencil-like piece of Sans-serif typography presented vertically creating an intriguing reading experience. Added arrows create a more difficult interaction with the font. Looks almost accidental, lackadaisical but I am certain the planning that created an image that is recognisable and approachable to all festival goers is far more elaborate than its aesthetically quality.

Sunday, 21 September 2014

Erratic Juxtaposition of Usual Style. Calvin Klein Shock Fragrance Bottle

'Alienesque' inclusion of a luminous bogey green graffiti like paint splatter lettering over an elegant chic curvaceous scent bottle. The initial CK print of lower case refined fine line typography subtly pays homage to the minimalist classy bottle. The restricted monochrome pallet colours are abolished for the use of a garish un-sightly colour. The inclusion of the 



shock



lettering, aesthetically would serve no purpose, in fact it is no different to the tat you'd see sprawled on the back of a toilet door. But, conceptually it exaggerates the twist in fragrance and challenges a preconceived clients belief on what CK can offer. It is a very risqué move by their development team in 2011. To me, in truth i find the design distasteful and unappealing. I would have preferred another design strategy to expand on the shocking fragrance. 


But, who am i to judge, i bought the fragrance, so maybe the bottle subconsciously did its job! 


Friday, 19 September 2014

Cool, Clean, Concise. Nike Stefan Janoski SB Trainer Box





The cool blue background teamed with an oversized nike swoosh logo combined with bold, uppercase, sharp cornered, robust, chunky text. Minimal design with devastatingly devilish results. Branding is easily recognisable, not just due to their logo 'The Swoosh' but also through the bold italicised brand name. Which happens to be the name of a greek mythological god, Nike, and through its clever branding and comforting and friendly typography it allows the company to hold a god like domination of the sneaker industry. Text is universal and is easily approachable both large or small, italics or not and normal or bold. Nike value each letter as much as its predecessor by only using uppercase. 



Overall a smart hip and trendy typography to match a company setting the targets in the sports and fashion scene in the 21st century.