Design Politics 2
April 3, 2008
Check out this article from The New York Times about the Obama campaign’s choice of the Gotham typeface. “…there’s an oxymoronic quality to Gotham, which is why I think it’s become so popular. It has a blunt, geometric simplicity, which usually makes words feel cold and analytical (like Univers), but it also feels warm. It’s substantial yet friendly. Up-to-date yet familiar. That’s a tough hat trick. And Gotham has another quality that makes it succeed: it just looks matter-of-fact.”
What do you think about this choice? Do you think design matters in politics?
Entry Filed under: Typography. .
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Sara Morin | April 5, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I think over the past few years the general population has become more aware of the field of graphic design, thanks in part to Apple & iPods & iMacs, Target and their logo & their redesigned prescription bottles, and now a presidential hopeful with political visuals that don’t look and feel like everyone else! Yay! And that leads to articles on Slate and in the NYT, and people wanting to wear O buttons because they not only represent a message they believe in, but they are cool looking. A political graphic is cool looking, that is a pretty big jump from what we’ve seen in the past. Beyond this being a historical year thanks to some great candidates that break the mold, it’s a banner year for graphic design. I expect in years to come we’ll see the candidates look to hire good design representation, be more aware of their visuals and how it impacts their overall image, and the bar raised on campaign marketing as a whole. Even more so if Obama wins the election. Anything that can raise the awareness of the field and promote higher standards is good for all graphic designers, and the field as a respected, go-to profession. Move over, lawyers, Designers are the new must-haves!