I thought this episode demonstrated the impact of typography in the world in a clever way mixing education about vocabulary, and history, as well as an inside look at the process from idea to creation of a typeface as well as showing real-world applications. I hadn't thought before about how typefaces on personal computers and being able to choose a font to use on the web or for typing a paper have changed the way the general public engages with and talks about typography.

I really enjoyed the way Jonathan talked about typography as communication and spoke to the back and forth between those who design typefaces, graphic designers, and everyone who sees them every day. The Public example was particularly fun as I was familiar with the branding from seeing Shakespeare in the Park for the first time and the type definitely plays a big part in my feelings about the brand and associations with living in New York and loving theater.

Knowing more about the history and terminology of typography has allowed the signs along my daily walking route have come to life in a different way when I focus on typography. On a walk down one street in Williamsburg, I took some pictures of typography I noticed and any first observations.

Entenmann’s Little Bites logo on white truck.

This Little Bites sign replaced the tittle on the lower case “i” with a half eaten cookie. I also learned the word “tittle” today 🙂

A parked white USPS truck with the text www.usps.com on the back.

The typography on the post office truck was italics and sans serif which felt like forward motion but professional

Black storefront in Brooklyn with columns and the text PHARMACY in block letters. The glass is covered by a colorful child-like drawing of a neighborhood.

Black storefront in Brooklyn with columns and the text COOKIES and CHIP CITY on the top.

I love passing by these two shops that are next to each other because the building facades are beautiful and really stick out with the dark black and architectural touches. I’ve never noticed before out the pharmacy and the cookie store both use bold typography to compliment the historic look in different ways.

I never thought about who sets standards for street signs. I would love to learn more about the accessibility considerations there on type (personally invested as someone learning to drive for the first time in the city!)

I walk by here every day and the sign has just been added in the last couple of weeks. The clean type to me represents a clear and impactful message from Marsha P. Johnson.

After we talked about highway signs in class (Vox video on the topic) I had never realized that the street signs in New York also use the same type. I would love to learn more the accessibility considerations when it comes to type for street and highway signs and also who controls those standards.

I’ve been watching as this signage for Marsha P. Johnson park has been worked on during the summer. I instantly noticed the clean bold type to match the natural colorful elements and wondered how Johnson’s important (and personally impactful) legacy was considered in it’s design. When I googled to learn more, this article mentioned this being different than the original design after feedback from Johnson’s family and community members and I’m interested in learning more about that ongoing process. So many directions from one observation about type!