From: John Hudson (tiro@tiro.com)
Date: Wed May 07 2003 - 18:59:14 EDT
At 02:39 PM 5/7/2003, David Starner wrote:
>Wake up to the twenty-first century. At least in the first world, almost
>anyone can compose a song, write a poem, write a program, create a character
>set or make a typeface, whether or not you like them or the results. The
>idea of being insulted by someone else's expression of their creativity is
>absurd.
What aspect of William's font is an 'expression of his creativity'? It is
an inept copy of a style of display lettering c. 1980 based on 'computer'
type. The only novel aspect of it is that William doesn't appear to
understand even the most basic principles of consistent contrast, as
evidenced by his lowercase k. If William wants to express his creativity by
composing a song or writing a poem, I would expect people who are
knowledgeable about songwriting and poetry to point out if his song or poem
sucks, especially if he insists on shoving his creativity in other peoples'
faces. I happen to be knowledgeable about type and typography, and I'm not
about the pretend that all typefaces are equal or that some don't suck just
because some misguided person thinks that type design is a legitimate
outlet for his creativity. William has produced a typeface. It is
unoriginal, badly constructed, culturally and aesthetically inappropriate
for the use to which he intends it, and clearly demonstrates that he
doesn't know the first thing about typography. If he is interested in
learning about type design, more power to him, and I would be happy to
recommend some books and even some exercises, but I am not going to applaud
failed efforts or stroke his ego.
Yes, anyone can compose a song, write a poem, write a program, etc., but
that doesn't make all songs good, all poems brilliant or all programs
worthwhile. I have a huge respect for amateurs in any field who hold
themselves to high standards; I object strongly, however, to amateurISM,
the excuse for low standards, shoddy work and self-indulgence. And, yes, I
do think it is insulting -- to people who strive for high quality, who work
hard to develop their talents for many years, who gain knowledge and skill
in their craft -- to suggest that anyone can design a typeface, as there
were nothing to it.
John Hudson
Tiro Typeworks www.tiro.com
Vancouver, BC tiro@tiro.com
As for the technique of trimming the nib,
Do not be greedy!
I will not reveal its nuances; I withhold its secrets.
- Ibn al-Bawwab, Ra'iyyah
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