Thursday, January 17, 2013

Typography Anatomy - Abraham Avenir



The typeface Abraham Lincoln reminds me of Armani Exchange, or the typeface an accounting or law firm would use for their business. The tall nature of the typeface gives off a regal, elegant tone. Professional and conservative, yet very in touch with what’s new. When I look at the font I see a tall, man with a perfectly tailored grey suit combined with a violet or navy blue skinny tie, his hair is slicked back and walks with confidence. The namesake of the typeface is of a tall, regal-esque man, the inspiration easily seen via the font; the man was lanky (tall and thin) and while appeared old, stood for and fought for very new ideas that caused controversy in the nation. The font reflects those very attributes, appearing as an older style perhaps because of the serifs and ball terminals, but it maintains itself legible and sleek, reminding me of more modern fonts.

The typeface Avenir screams haute couture, or hipster companies at me. Nothing ornate, nothing superfluous, just the strokes that make up the symbols and that’s it – very cut to the chase. It reminds me of high fashion/haute couture because it’s bold, straight, stylish, modern and because it’s neutral; so neutral that it can’t really go out of style, sort of like what high fashion is. It’s very expanded, so I see it on the window detailing the shop name and/or tagline of a boutique founded by a young, hip person. It’s less suit and tie and more knitted scarves and square, thick framed glasses sort of person. If not on a storefront or agency of some sort, then at the typeface for a fashion line, where it can be used at a fashion show to display the company name in big bold, stylish and clear letters.


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