Searching for a Typeface

I began the search for the type face I intend to use in this project in the blog post before this where I considered what typefaces were relevant to the Apollo 11 mission. Futura and Helvetica were two that appeared frequently. I think either of these are solid options.

<aside> ⭐ REFLECTION: I have never worked with Helvetica in my work and I would be keen to see how I can develop it typographically. That said, I would much rather work with Futura as it is a typeface that I enjoy using and I think it lends itself very well to typographic outcomes.

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I didn’t want to box myself in with these two fonts however, as I felt that there could be other viable options apart from them that would create a similar feeling.

Futura Type Specimen

Helvetica Type Specimen

Characteristics of Futura and Helvetica

I thought it would be useful to deduce the qualities of Helvetica and Futura in order to gain more perspective into why these are suitable fonts for the Apollo mission, hoping to be able to apply this criteria for my search for other fonts.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HELVETICA

• Tall x-height, which makes it easier to read at distance.
• Tight spacing between letters.
• An oblique rather than italic style, a common feature of almost all grotesque and neo-grotesque typefaces.
• Wide capitals of uniform width, particularly obvious in the wide 'E' and 'F'.
• Square-looking 's'.
• Helvetica's tight apertures contribute to a regular, dense design.

Helvetica’s Apertures