Fresh Dialogue 26: Type Forecast

Design week in New York has more than enough to keep one busy, but an even that we just couldn’t miss was the AIGA/NY Fresh Dialogue 26: Type Forecast. It featured four typographers (three speakers and a moderator). Jessica Hische, Georg Seifert, Joshua Darden, & Matteo Bologna (moderator).

The speakers come from three different schools of typographic discipline. Jessica Hische specializes in illustrative type and hand lettering – coming from a more organic, freeform point of view. Joshua Darden and Georg Seifert are much more technical, but differ in style and background. Joshua Darden seems to have a strong interest and respect for the roots of typography and bringing that into current and future technologies, whereas Georg Seifert, who studied at Bauhaus-University Weimar, seems to be primarily focused in the future and creating fonts from his own world and surroundings.

The flavorful panel provided interesting discussions through sometimes contrasting views. What was really interesting was when the technical crossed over with the organic and found a common ground. For most of the discussion it seemed that the whole point was moot and actually an oxymoron as the future of type relies heavily on what technological advances make themselves available in the next few years, which is almost impossible to predict.

Brilliantly moderated by Mucca Design founder Matteo Bologna, the mood stayed light and the discussion never became long winded. Bologna also served as a prodding tool for more information whenever things would get too technical, which is when I found myself learning a thing or two about what will soon be available in the online realm of typography.

In the end it was mostly just a typography geek fest, but still proved to be quite valuable and insightful. Although they never said for certain what the forecast will be, it seems like clear sunny skies where possibilities can grow and go beyond anything we can expect.