Our Zeitgeist tagged with “We love”
We had a recent situation where a client wasn't versed in design language and we failed to interpret. In this particular situation,
the kerning (space between letters) came into question. Actually, the design had been kerned, but it was re-kerned and resubmitted only to have it returned with the same comment. As a designer being able to take criticism is a required skill, but there is no guarantee that a client has the vocabulary to communicate the issue. Resolution finally came when we switched to the telephone and were able to ask the client to point out the problem, it turned out that the “letter spacing issue” was that the “f” and “i” were touching.
It was a ligature.
To us, it was design love and attentiveness; to them, it looked like an error. We were speaking different languages. The fact that the client did not know what a ligature was flew under our radar, but had we stepped back from their initial comment and considered its context we may have saved time and irritation for us all.
So why hasn't the ligature passed into the realm of common visual vernacular? Why don't they feel as natural to clients as layouts designed with the
golden ratio? One reason ligatures have not saturated the designscape is that in recent history many typefaces did not included them, so the designer had to choose to change faces, or create them by hand. However, with the dominance of OpenType, this seems to be a problem of the past as many typefaces are equipped with a large variety ligatures. Another force working against the pervasiveness of the ligature is the designer’s nightmare–the dreaded word processing program. Fortunately, fixes have been created for Pages and you can now choose to “use ligatures” and Microsoft Word 2010 has added support for OpenType ligatures, (for help enabling them you can find a tutorial
here).
Technical functionality is not the only hinge when it comes to ligature use; personal taste is also a factor. To some, the use of ligatures is on par with the choice of serif or sans. With roots in early writing, some see ligatures as carrying a certain rare elegance, adding class and refinement to text. On the opposing side, some view them as antiquated, traditional and superfluous. Lovers of the ligature will argue that they are not merely ornamental, but efficient, replacing two letters with one and simultaneously increasing legibility–exuding the modern ideals of form following function.
Ligatures are a decision that every designer must make for themselves. To me, they are something special; so efficient, so thoughtful, so graceful, so salacious–and when I come upon them in life, I can’t help but smile, as I imagine two letters making love.
So we pose the question to you, are ligatures an element of typographic style you cannot live without? Should we as designers come together and create guidelines for their use? Or, are they archaic and a tradition that needs updating or better yet, to just go away?
[post_title] => To love a ligature
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[post_excerpt] => The ligature: music to your eyes or an outdated typographic nuisance?
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http://webexpedition18.com/articles/typography-tutorial-a-primer-on-ligatures/
http://www.fontshop.com/glossary.php?ltr=k
http://ampersandampersand.tumblr.com/archive
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The ligature: music to your eyes or an outdated typographic nuisance?
Posted by: Dana Deschene on Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
Categories: Design, Fun, Industrial Brand, Learning, Pop Culture, Technology, Typography, Uncategorized, We love | 2 Comments »
Nearly everyone knows we’re partial to small furry critters (which reminds me, we need to have another Hamster Party soon) as well as passionate foodies. But we seldom get to combine our love of food and rodents, though we’ve be [...]
Posted by: Mark Busse on Friday, September 26th, 2008
Categories: Food, Fun, Video, We love | 4 Comments »
Fame and fortune oftentimes brings trouble for those not grounded enough to handle it. Hell, even then the most innocent and well-intentioned have fallen into the dark side. Probably tough enough for a human to stay on the straight and narr [...]
Posted by: Ben Garfinkel on Monday, September 15th, 2008
Categories: Food, Fun, Photography, We love | No Comments »
Through vérité footage and in-depth conversations, the film documents the creative processes of some of the world’s most influential designers, and looks at how the things they make impact our lives. What can we learn about who we are, and who we want to be, from the objects with which we surround ourselves?
The film is still in production and slated for an early 2009 release. If it's as well researched and produced as
Helvetica was, it's destined to be another resounding success. I can't wait to see it.
[post_title] => Objectified: New Hustuit Design Documentary
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Let’s face it: Gary Hustuit’s documentary Helvetica was a runaway hit. I certainly didn’t expect so many designers and non-designers alike to get so goofy about a film about a typeface. Building on his success and reputati [...]
Posted by: Mark Busse on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
Categories: Design, Film, Inspiration, Movie, News, We love | No Comments »
I also really like the slim, sleek Razr, especially come summer when it slips into my shorts or shirt pocket and I can barely tell it's there. Yet, I want (read: have to have) an iPhone. Admittedly, I'm a member of the Apple cult. I can't imaging life without a Mac. We have them here and always buy Apple stuff when it's time. I still don't get why my parents have a PC, and it drives me crazy whenever I get asked to help them with it.
So, iPhone, why do I want you so? Well, I don't like carrying three devices if I can help it, and you can replace my Nano as a music player. You're also going to integrate seamlessly with my MacBook, iTunes and iPhoto. I like that. Warning: if you see me, I'm going to whip it out and start showing you pictures of my new daughter. So cute. Oh, and you are small, slim and not going to make people wonder if I'm carrying a phone in my pocket or just happy to see them.
Will I use all the features? Max out my data plan? Respond to emails and text messages any more responsively. Probably not. Will I line up at a store for my black 16GB. Not bloody likely. But, Rogers, I am coming your way. Sorry Telus.
UPDATE:
Okay, I actually analyzed what I am paying and getting from TELUS and what it will cost me for the same at Rogers, and admittedly, the pricing is not competitive. So much so that I'm going to wait until there is a better plan. Seems Apple feels the same way, and has not only diverted Canadian supplies of the 3G iPhone to Europe, but is also not going to sell then in Canadian Apple stores this Friday. Speculation is that Apple is pissed off that Rogers is gouging Canadian consumers. Read more
here.
[post_title] => Hey Rogers, here I come
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Today Rogers Wireless formally announced their iPhone package rates. Set to be available July 11th, this is the newest 3G iPhone 2.0 for $199 for the 8GB or $299 for 16GB. Plans start at $60, and frankly, seem pretty decent all things consi [...]
Posted by: Ben Garfinkel on Friday, June 27th, 2008
Categories: Technology, We love | 4 Comments »
There is one thing I know all designers love; freaking sexy business cards. Here’s a site that will definitely get you thinking about redesigning your own card or at least get you itching to do something.
Posted by: Steph Co on Friday, June 6th, 2008
Categories: Art, Branding, Design, Inspiration, We love | 1 Comment »
While the GDC members and the guest of honor were out for dinner, I had been eagerly anticipating the presentation, thanks to our brief encounter. The venue was filled with energy upon arrival. Those lucky enough to get tickets enjoyed drinks and food, while others stood in line hoping to get tickets and stand at the back. Amid all of this, the man everyone is waiting to see slips out, for a smoke, and invited me along. Saying, "I'll smoke, you don't have to."
Our conversations flowed from race, to photography, to children, and to culture. In that brief moment I caught his thoughts on independence, his journeys around the world, and questioning why the Chinese are growing in power. It made it easier to confirm his stance on the design industry in New York, "If you are a designer with a really well-done portfolio, New York is the place to be." Two cigarettes and a carrot stick later, the show must begin.
After an intro story about sea elephants and blowjobs, Sagmeister captures everyones attention by yelling "Shut the fuck up!" into the mic. He dove into a studio profile: music business design (a music building 'Casa de Musica' logo approach), socially responsible design (Pentagon squandering with creative approaches, the pig car train and topsy-turvy bus), and corporate design (a lighting company corporate report using same embossed relief of a flower under many lighting conditions).
At this point I'm building a large interest on seeing these pieces in real life, not on the screen or magazines. If only a Canadian organization can commission a project, I won't need to fly to Lisbon or New York.
The pace was steady, the audience was enchanted. His energy heightened as the second half approached, Sagmeister switched to his series,
"Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far." To document Sagmeister's inspirational qualities is a bit of a chore, he truly is someone you have to meet to understand. One of the messages he did refresh for me, was the importance of representing internal reflection in creative ways. It doesn’t take much, just a little time and “schwoopdeeboop,” you might end up with something great.
Before the presentation was over, his books were all sold, and the line up for autographs had begun. There is mystery and hype surrounding Sagmeister, but there are no smoke and mirrors involved in his work. What he does and how he does it has a certain flavour, but when it comes down to it he isn't a celebrity designer with an attitude, in person, he's just like anyone else. An equal amount of people support and oppose his work; there are other designers that are provocative and inspiring. Although design
used to equal fart, the truth of the matter is that Sagmeister dances on the tightrope between art and design.
[post_title] => Sagmeister: Design, Inspiration and Sea Elephant Blowjob
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If I was asked who Stefan Sagmeister was a week ago, I could’ve given a handful of knee-jerk descriptions; he’s a designer, he’s provocative, he’s influential. I could’ve said many things to describe the icon h [...]
Posted by: Steph Co on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Categories: Art, Articles, Events, Guest, Inspiration, Learning, We love | No Comments »
If you’re in any field related to art or design, you very likely know who Syd Mead is—the artist primarily responsible for the look and feel of influential movies such as Aliens, Blade Runner, Tron and others. Well, as a volunteer o [...]
Posted by: Mark Busse on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Categories: Art, Associations, Events, Inspiration, Vancouver, We love | 3 Comments »
That’s right, I’m blogging about American Idol. Deal with it. I watch it in passing (never longer then 30 seconds at a time) with the same fascination that I watch my dog lose a fight with a chain saw or my left foot hacked up f [...]
Posted by: Steve Mynett on Thursday, May 8th, 2008
Categories: Music, We love | No Comments »
I’ve rocked both a Canon A620 and Nikon D70S for about two years now and love them both like children from two different mothers however the Canon is a consumer camera and thus makes significant compromises. (sort of like the slightly [...]
Posted by: Steve Mynett on Friday, April 4th, 2008
Categories: Photography, Technology, We love | No Comments »
Arcade Fire is fairly awesome. We play them often at the studio. And their videos are often pretty darned cool, like this version of “Neon Bible” recorded live in an elevator. But nothing tops this interactive video for “N [...]
Posted by: Mark Busse on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Categories: Design, Fun, Inspiration, Interactive, Pop Culture, We love, Websites | No Comments »
I could easily just post a link to the MoMA’s online exhibit “Design and the Elastic Mind” and say COOL! Actually, yeah, let’s do that. This site is as cool as the exhibit it showcases. [kudos KB for the heads up]
Posted by: Mark Busse on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
Categories: Art, Design, Inspiration, Interactive, We love, Websites | No Comments »
I received somewhat bad and disturbing news when I got home tonight. North America’s last remaining Radio Orchestra, Vancouver based CBC Radio Orchestra, has been shut down. The culprit? You guessed it, budget cuts. While symphony orc [...]
Posted by: Steve Mynett on Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Categories: Music, We love | 1 Comment »
It was almost a year ago when I posted this cool video from Japan, but it was brought to my attention just yesterday that there is a slightly better rendition of Tetris that also uses people as pixels. I do believe that this series of video [...]
Posted by: todd smith on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008
Categories: Film, Fun, We love | No Comments »
FunctionFox also regularly publishes a great newsletter and resource centre on their site containing terrific articles about issues creative professionals and firms face on a daily basis. For example, they recently posted an
article entitled Balancing Your Business by Heather West that examines issues such as how many clients should you serve? In what categories? Or where?
As a small, but growing agency ourselves, we find we need to regularly re-evaluate our client mix and clarify our understanding of who our ideal clients are. It can be tough, but deciding when its time say no to some clients and good bye to others is a crucial step in growing your business and focussing on what you're good at, what makes you happy and what makes you profit. This informative article shares some wisdom on this important topic that we should all take to heart—I know I do.
[post_title] => We all need to balance our businesses
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We’ve used FunctionFox‘s TimeFox web-based time and project management tools for years and love it. Their new TimeFox Premier release has added handy functionality such as task management, to-do lists, calendar and scheduling to [...]
Posted by: Mark Busse on Friday, March 21st, 2008
Categories: Design, Learning, Reading, Tips, We love | No Comments »
