I have long been a self declared Futura junkie and recent cultural trends have only contributed to this fixation. Futura got its start in mid 1920s and is known for its extreme geometric influences. This Sans Serif typeface, designed by Paul Renner has been making continuous appearances in mainstream culture.
First and most expected example would be the Futura use by director Wes Anderson. Anderson has used Futura in title cards for all of his 9 films. The typeface is also used in most of the props and sets within the film. Futura ideally reflects the overarching theme and style used within the films. As a story teller Anderson is known for his
intricate simplicity. Futura, while visually extremely simple, is geometrically perfect.It uses nearly flawless triangles and circles as part of the design. This concept goes precisely along the idea that Anderson aims to convey. Each of his characters, while very simple people, are extremely complex. Overall his particular use of the font is very successful, so successful in fact that his name has become as identified with it as Renner's himself.
Second example of Futura use comes from the "Upper West Side Soweto" band Vampire Weekend, who have themed all of their releases around combining Futura typeface with polaroidesque photos. The band was aiming for a vintage 50s feel, with simple, clean cut and symmetrical layout. This worked especially well for them, considering the revitalized interest with everything vintage.
Irina!
ReplyDeleteI was very impressed with your Futura fetish. I think it's a good font - definitely has become a widely-used, workhorse font in web design (hulu uses it). I always can spot Futura in Initial caps because the ascenders go slightly above the capitals. I think Wal-Mart may be using a variation of this inside their stores on section signage...
I also happen to own and LOVE Vampire Weekend. If you like Vampire Weekend, you should check out the recent NPR music story on them.
Good job analyzing Futura's use. Would you say that despite it's name "Futura" that it gives a vintagey vibe all the time?
"Winter's coat is too much to handle..."
paul
I loved both Vampire Weekend albums, though i've been hearing torn opinions about Contra. But my favorite thing about them is that they get to call themselves an "Upper West Side Soweto" band. New York Noise actually did a short video interview with Ezra, "Cribs" style thats pretty amusing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7PD2GrVATA&feature=player_embedded
You are so right about Futura having that vintagey vibe. Its like a major 60s flashback.
Glad you liked the post
Irina