The Evolution of Type Design: A Journey Through the 21st Century
Can you believe we're already a quarter of the way through this century? It's time to reflect on the incredible journey of type design over the past 25 years. Typeone's tenth issue takes us on an exciting adventure, exploring the world of type design and its evolution.
But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, thought-provoking. The team at Typeone believes that the type design industry has undergone a significant shift. Harry Bennett, one of the contributors, highlights an interesting phenomenon: "With the abundance of typefaces being released, the craftsmanship of type design has taken a back seat, but this is a sign of the industry's democratization." It's an intriguing perspective, don't you think?
Typeone #10 presents a diverse range of perspectives, from the academic to the experimental. It's a celebration of the industry's accessibility and the new, unexpected directions it's taking. The issue features interviews with renowned designers like Xiaoyuan Gao, Olivia King, Elizabeth Goodspeed, and Tré Seals, offering a comprehensive look at the type design scene from 2000 to the present.
The design system for this landmark issue is a nod to Typeone's roots. It features Diatype from Dinamo and Xiaoyuan Gao's Common Sans, which almost became the sole typeface for the magazine due to its "exuberance and sincerity." The magazine's skeleton is on full display, with each contributor's article set in their own typeface, a brilliant way to showcase the creative scene of today.
"The magazine feels alive," says Alice Sherwin, another contributor. "It actively responds to the industry it represents." Alice and Harry stepped in during the lockdown of 2020, building the editorial identity from scratch. The flexibility and spontaneity of the first issue have carried through to the tenth, creating a unique design system that allows each issue to respond to its specific theme.
And this is the part most people miss... Typeone's approach to design is not precious. It's a reflection of the contemporary type and design scene, capturing the essence of the industry's evolution. Harry describes it as "a capsule of contemporary type and design."
As we look ahead, Harry believes it's all about "remixing things." Historical revivals are becoming more common, influenced by digital innovations. Alice adds, "Typefaces are our digital language, and I'm excited to see how they continue to evolve alongside and because of each other."
Typeone is committed to staying relevant and responsive, whether it's exploring AI experiments, language changes, or the thriving world of type design in today's visual culture.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of type design? Do you agree with Harry and Alice's perspectives? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
