2012 Typography Annual
We received 1,723 entries to our second Typography Annual, less than our inaugural competition, but probably a more accurate reflection of the quantity of work produced in a single year. Again, we were pleased with the international nature of the submissions, especially in the typeface category, and the inclusion of several non-Latin typefaces.
“In general, I really enjoyed most of the work,” said juror Tiffany Wardle de Sousa. “For me it was important to consider each project separately because viewed as a whole I sensed a sameness.”
That sameness might best be explained by identifying the most common visual trends. “The lock-up look was a prevailing theme,” juror Erik Spiekermann said. “Pages were full, and if it wasn’t the page, then a shape was filled with type. From clouds to trees, everything served as a lock-up for letters.”
Juror Richard Kegler added, “the ‘handmade’ and retro pastiche have really become a major trend. The lack of actual type vs handlettering was surprising. “
In closing, Wardle de Sousa offered this: “Typography is typography, no matter the media. Hopefully the technology innovators will always keep the rules of typography in mind as they create. “
“The state of typography has always been a good indicator of the general state of affairs. The trends were all pointing back in time, pastiche being the operative word, nostalgia the main trend.” Eric Spiehermann.
http://www.commarts.com/annuals/2012-Typography/winners
Typeface Design Winners
Directed by Santiago Idelson
Music performed by Rachel Grimes
