TORONTO TYPE

This word is part of a large mural that says “West Queen West”. This is the first “West” in the design and it’s delightful.

I always enjoy it when letters and buildings find moments of happy coexistence and this is a good example. These letters look like they’re leaping over the top of the window. The “E” seems to be having the most fun of the bunch.

I have a strong affection for hand-painted signs, probably because they’re a relief to the eye after so much time looking at digital type. Their small irregularities make them uniquely expressive, like human faces.

Here’s a sign on an auto body shop with letters carefully dispersed across garage door window panes. There’s something off though—check out the final syllable of “Alignment”. Suddenly the painting style becomes a little more, well, relaxed.

It reminds me of ambitious New Year’s resolutions made on January first that go somewhat awry by the end of the month.

What do you think the story is behind this misaligned “Alignment”?

Here’s a glimpse of Holt Renfrew’s current Christmas windows. As part of the extravaganza, you’ll find music and lyrics for The Twelve Days of Christmas.

There’s just one little problem. Somewhere along the way, a designer with a flair for creative spelling was involved. Or a lack of vigilance for typos.

Then again, perhaps it was intentional, an example of how you might sing the song when you’ve had one too many egg nogs.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here’s a mailbox with a gift for flattery. I wonder if the person who lives here has a crush on the mailman. It’s certainly a more enjoyable message than “No Flyers Please.”

The letters have a metallic sheen, which is not quite evident in this photo. Even though they don’t offer a detailed reflection, they call to mind the act of looking in the mirror.

Maybe there’s something narcissistic going on here and the resident customized the mailbox to guarantee getting a daily compliment.