This wonderful short video features a number of designers talking about the power of typography. It appeared last August as part of Off Book, a web series from PBS. It’s packed full of smart observations and at the end there’s a quick tutorial on talking about type.
One of my favourite remarks is from Deroy Peraza who says “fonts are clothes in a sense. They help visually externalize your identity to the world.” That comment helps me understand why I’m fascinated by type as I walk around the city. In a way, it’s akin to people-watching, a way of studying how identity and meaning become visible.
Were there any moments that stood out for you?
By the way, thanks to my brother Greg for alerting me to the video when it first came out.
TORONTO TYPE 
April 23, 2012 at 10:06 pm
I can’t agree more with ‘fonts are clothes in a sense’!!!
I still remember spending hours in front of the Microsoft powerpoint, changing fonts and colours, size…Just like dressing up to impress someone, or trying to embed your identity to the document :)
thanks for sharing.
April 25, 2012 at 9:22 am
Thanks for your comment, Andy. That analogy really works, doesn’t it? Trying on different outfits and testing out different fonts… they’re attempts at shaping the first impression, sending the right message.
Anyone else struck by any observations in the video?