sugar coated type!

This is a photo of a sugar jar which is part of an antique glassware set my mom purchased from an auction, I'm unsure about the time period it's from but I thought the typeface was interesting as is the source of it and I think it can be placed in the historical category. The interesting diagonal works well with these letterforms also. This set is unique because it has labels, the labels have a layer of shiny silver paper on the surface and are clearly pretty durable. Even though they are starting to peel, I think it fits in well with the antique kitchen decor.

The typeface is reminiscent of several ideas- at first I thought of a fifties diner and the typography that might be found there on a menu, soft drink cups etc., which is fitting since this is in a kitchen as well. Once considering the time period of the glassware, I realized a few parts of the letterforms remind me of Art Deco style typefaces (1920's-1940's), especially with the thick and thin strokes of each letter. I have a feeling I've seen this typeface elsewhere but I can't pinpoint it, thoughts are welcomed :)

all about banking!

Here is an example of banking typography I found on the PNC website that was definitely created to appeal to its audience. The Virtual Wallet for Students portion of PNC is a money management program that allows PNC customers who are students at school to easily manage their money & plan their expenses online. The image below is an example of how they've chosen a very collegiate typeface that college students can relate to in order to draw them in and create an interest in the Virtual Wallet program. Lets face it, banking & financial management isn't always something that is top priority for a college student and PNC wants to show that they can make it a fun experience for the student, hence the break from their normal, very structured layouts and typography throughout the rest of their website. Their clever use of "U" instead of "you", are things that college students can really relate to. I think this is an intriguing layout, it made me want to "click to learn more" for sure!

PNC Virtual Wallet Student

an industrial canvas

This Industrial typography photo I discovered has proven to be more interesting than I ever thought an old Alaskan Railroad Boxcar could be! Without even seeing the wide shot of the boxcar, it is clear that the typography and its surroundings originate from some type industrious source. I think the bolts, colors, thick & bold letterforms and complimentary rust give it away. Although I'm sure it's a consequence of the harsh Alaskan elements, and purely unintentional, I love the effect of the red making its way through the white letters as they wash down the side of the boxcar, I think it is very reminiscent of the Alaskan atmosphere. While much industrial typography is purely informational & very straightforward with not much attention given to aesthetics, this retired boxcar has become a piece of art, thanks to the passage of time, of course.
Photograph: Alaskan Boxcar

logotype lock-up!

On a recent trip to Lowes, I discovered this clever logotype. The design of this logo really jumped out at me. Without even knowing what kind of product Swiftlock makes, it is clear to how they've illustrated the concept behind their within the logo by using just typography. This logo is for Swiftlock laminate flooring. Being aware of the product the logo is advertising adds a new level of conceptual understanding to the design of the logo. The ideal laminate flooring locks together perfectly and quickly and is durable as well. These qualities are represented in the typographic logo by using a strong & sturdy feeling sans serif typeface, the crossbar of the lowercase has been altered so it interlocks securely with the uppercase L next to it,(evoking the feeling of locking the pieces of laminate together) I think the success of the logo really plays on how the letterforms work together. This is a very simple but successful design element, I think it really supports the concept of the product and what it stands for- and that's just what a logo should do :)