Old Versus New
Typeface Study, 2020
Typefaces adapt with the times and society around it. One can trace its history when comparing it to older typefaces. Through research, they could even learn of the direct impact one typeface had on another. Old Versus New looks at two typefaces, Helvetica and FF Blur, and analyzes the connective tissue between them. Through the use of grids, I created a dynamic set of boards that explains that history while paying tribute to the professionalism and rebellion of both typefaces.
Drafts of the Boards
Initially, I experimented with grid structures, text hierarchies, and text locations.
I then refined the boards, where I pushed the grid to its limit. I experimented with the colors and form to make the overall form dynamic to look at.
close up of the boards
The first board was for Helvetica. White was used to symbolize the universality of the typeface. Meanwhile, pink was used to embody the rebellion of FF Blur.
The second board was for FF Blur. To emphasize Helvetica and FF Blur’s direct connection, I recreated the idea of blurring and layering Helvetica in Photoshop to create FF Blur.