Timeless sans-serif typefaces for any print-based or online projects.
Sans-serif typefaces are an essential tool for any
graphic designer,
either as a display typeface, or within body text. Its clean lines make
for easy reading at great distances. A good example of this is Jock
Kinneir’s and Margaret Calvert’s Transport typeface, used on the UK’s
road signs.
Many sans-serif typefaces were developed between the 1920s and the
1950s. It is also worth noting that the development of sans-serif
typefaces stretch further back than the 1920s. Prior to the arrival of
Helvetica and Gill Sans, there was one typeface which spawned several
other variations: Akzidenz-Grotesk. Hence Helvetica’s original name
being Neue Haas Grotesk.
We at
Dreamkatcha web design
ave come up with five essential typefaces of a sans-serif variety. Each
of the typefaces are available commercially (or freely) for print and
internet-based projects. You may have some of them on your PC.
1. Akzidenz-Grotesk
Akzidenz-Grotesk is the grandaddy of the sans-serif typefaces.
Created in 1896 by H. Berthold, it was designed for use in display
materials. For instance, newspaper advertisements and posters. 120 years
on, it can hold its own today.
Designer: H. Berthold (1896)
2. Helvetica
The most celebrated typeface is Max Miedinger’s family of Helvetica
typefaces. It has been used on countless designs and works well in body
text form as well as poster designs and websites. Unsurprisingly, due to
its popularity, it inspired an offspring of similar typefaces
thereafter. Univers is claimed to be a copy, but Univers predated
Helvetica by three years.
It has also inspired Microsoft’s Arial typeface, created in 1982.
More recently, Google’s Roboto and Noto typefaces from 2011 to 2016. The
bold variant is also the typeface of choice for the Superdry clothing
label.
Designer: Max Miedinger (1957)
3. Univers
Compared with Helvetica, Univers is a slightly more restrained
typeface. The most subtle differences being more angular numbers and
similarly rounded Rs. Designed by Adrian Frutiger, it has been referred
to as ‘the dinner jacket’ of typefaces, compared with ‘the jeans’ of
Helvetica. It is a great all-round typeface for body text as well as
headings.
Designer: Adrian Frutiger (1954)
4. Gotham
The most famous use of the Gotham typeface was the 2008 US Elections
campaign for Barack Obama. Its leanings have more of a nod to Futura and
Gill Sans than Helvetica and Arial. Created by Tobias Frere-Jones, it
was inspired by the designer’s yearning for the New York City of his
youth. A trip to the Port Authority Bus Terminal also inspired its
design (most notably the typeface on the Eighth Avenue facade).
In bold type, a fantastic typeface for display materials and headings.
Designer: Tobias Frere-Jones (2000)
5. Futura
The Futura typeface, designed by Paul Renner in 1927, was inspired by
Roman style uppercase text. There are numerous variants of the Futura
typeface, with the bold and condensed weights a great choice for
headlines. The light and medium weights are suitable for body text.
Without the Futura family of typefaces, we wouldn’t have had
Frutiger, Avenir, ITC Avant Garde, and Century Gothic. It is almost as
influential as Helvetica for the number of spin-offs. Why not
contact us today to discuss a web design project.
Designer: Paul Renner (1927)
Dreamkatcha, 17 November 2016.
