Who haven't heard the phrase that ‘any past time was better’?. Although I sometimes find this phrase a little too pessimistic (because I try to think that the best is yet to come), it may be true regarding my passion, typography. I'm too young (29) unfortunately, and this means I did not have the pleasure of being contemporary with maybe the man who has influenced my work the most (1). The man that showed that letters are more than just letters to be read. Herb Lubalin (1918-1981), also called sometimes as ‘the rule basher’ (2), smashed the taboos and sacred rules of type design and gave it personality. He rejected the functionalist philosophy of europeans in favor of an eclectic and exuberant style. To him, letters were not merely vessels of form, they were objects of meaning. (3). Nowadays, when looking at his portfolio, who dares to deny that the term ‘typography’ and ‘beauty’ may go hand-in-hand without any problem? Ed Benguiat, one of Herb’s partners, still likes making jokes with the phrase “screw legibility, type should be beautiful” and what I understand of this is not to forget the rules, but to know and break them carefully. In an era of pure eclecticism, we, the lovers of flourishes and swashes, can't do nothing but admire all the legacy that Lubalin, this wonderful type-guru, left. My font Lubaline read as “the line of Lubalin” is my humble tribute to him. Those who know his work, may see the influences easily like in his ‘Beards’ (1976) and ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965) posters; the art-deco forms in many of his amazing logos and practically in all his creations where letters seem to be alive just like you and me. I really hope that the future finds me still learning more and more about type-design and letterforms, and like him, always willing to make innovations in my field: Because letters are not just letters to be read. NOTES (1) These are some of my fonts in which some of Lubalin’s influences can be seen (in order of creation): Reina, Aire, Erotica, String, Beatle, Heroe, Selfie, Model, Seventies, and many others that are still in progress. (2) (3) Steven Heller. Herb Lubalin: Rule Basher. U&lc (1998) http://www.printmag.com/imprint/my-favorite-lubalin/

Here is another design by jewelry designer Max Joseph Gradl. Zier is a verb, meaning to decorate, adorn or ornament; zierlich means decorative, elegant, fine, neat. Schrift means type. Zierschrift, therefore, means decorative type. Gradl Zierschriften is a decorative type in the Art Nouveau style, rather than the more ornate Victorian style. Very modern, very young, with an elegant simplicity of form. Maria Makela, in her book The Munich Secession (Princeton 1990) suggests that the frequent use of simple, flowing, organic forms that was so characteristic of Art Nouveau was a reaction against the growing complexity and rapid urbanization that resulted from 19th century industrialization. In keeping with that reaction is the hand-drawn quality that intentionally rejects a mechanistic mathematic precision of line rendering. Gradl Zierschriften preserves that hand-drawn quality. Designed with upper case only, this face was obviously intended for short headlines only and is best set at 18 points or larger. However, I don't think you really get to experience the grace of this design until you get to 36 points or more. In the larger sizes, it is simply stunning. Please note that while most of the uppercase letterforms are repeated in the lower case for convenience, the ‘F’,‘L’ and ‘T’ are rendered a little narrower than in the uppercase to provide for visual variety. The font also includes a generous supply of ligatures for just the right fit ... and just for the fun of using them. Three common ways of inserting a ligature, accented letter or other special character are: 1) Key in “ALT”+“0”+[ascii #]; for example ALT+0233 for the e-acute, 2) From within your application program, go to the INSERT menu and look for something like “Insert Symbol,” (this function is NOT available in all application programs) & 3) Cut & Paste from the CHARACTER MAP display that has been supplied by every generation of Windows Operating System that I can recall (All Programs>Accessories>System Tools). Isn't it amazing what you can do? Don't be afraid to experiment. If you back up your work, you have very little to lose and a lot to gain. Not only do you acquire a new tool, but by the very process you have learned how to continually expand your knowledge and skill base.

Migae is a versatile and elegant display font designed to captivate and engage audiences across a wide range of design applications. With 14 distinct weight variants spanning from delicate Light to commanding Black, and complemented by a refined set of italics, Migae offers a harmonious balance of strength and elegance to fulfill your typographic needs. Key Features: 1. 14 Weight Variants: Migae's extensive weight range, including Light, Regular, Medium, Semi-Bold, Bold, Extra Bold, and Black variants, allows you to choose the perfect weight for your design, whether it's a subtle headline or a bold statement. 2. Italics: In addition to its standard upright styles, Migae boasts a comprehensive set of italics that adds versatility to your typography, conveying an air of sophistication and style. 3. Strong to Elegant Styles: Migae's design philosophy seamlessly combines strength and elegance. Its strong weights provide a bold and impactful presence, while the lighter weights exude an effortless elegance, making it suitable for a wide array of creative projects. 4. Modern Aesthetic: Migae's clean, contemporary lines and carefully crafted details make it an ideal choice for modern graphic and web design, editorial layouts, branding, and advertising. 5. Legibility: Migae prioritizes legibility across all weights and styles, ensuring that your messages are communicated effectively, regardless of the chosen variant. 6. Versatile Applications: From branding and packaging to posters, editorial design, and web headings, Migae adapts to various design contexts, making it a versatile choice for graphic designers, typographers, and creative professionals. Design Inspiration: Migae draws inspiration from the harmony of nature, where strength and elegance coexist. Its name, derived from the Korean word "미래" (miraee), meaning "future," reflects its forward-thinking design approach that is equally rooted in tradition and innovation. Ideal Usage: Migae is an ideal choice for those seeking a display font that can effortlessly transition between bold and delicate, exuding confidence and refinement in every style. It's perfect for branding, packaging, advertising, editorial layouts, and any design project where typography plays a pivotal role. Migae is more than just a font; it's a design companion that empowers creatives to achieve a perfect balance between strength and elegance in their visual communications. Explore the world of Migae and let your design projects shine with its captivating charm and versatility.