Monday, April 18, 2011

Typographic Irony

(Hello again. Yes, it’s been a while.)

I noticed this bit of typographic irony this morning in an ABC World News Tonight promo. The typeface used in this graphic for their series “Made in America” is DIN, short for Deutsches Institut für Normung.

If that sounds not-so-American, you’re right. It’s a German typeface that goes back to the 1920’s, though this particular cut is probably from the 90’s.

Not a big deal. Really. But if one was concerned, there are some strong sans-serif faces whose pedigree is distinctly American. Franklin Gothic, for example. Or Gotham.

Still, a little appreciation of the history and tradition of one’s profession might be useful too, eh?