Jonathan Barnbrook Talk
Chris Butcher | 6.05.2010
On his way to take part in the upcoming Sydney Biennale British typographer Jonathan Barnbrook graciously stopped by to share a few candid stories and pieces of advice with Melbourne designers young and not so young.
I was first introduced to Jonathan’s work during University, where his typefaces like Manson and Exocet were used by many students in a ‘devilish’ manner*. His video work for Radio Scotland lead me to appreciate the value of storytelling in graphic design. Its hard to capture the passion, eloquence and humble nature in which he spoke about topics from typedesign, to Starbucks, Adbusters to Japanese Funeral Directors in a few words. But I have endeavoured to do so by gathering a few points that resonated with me on the night. I hope they inspire you.
Ten points of wisdom and quirky facts:
1. Typedesign is the poetry of language.
2. Virus (Jonathan’s typefoundry) was named after a William Burroughs quote… “language is a virus from outer space”.
3. Typefaces speak in the spirit of the age.
4. Have bravery in your work, have passion in your folio.
5. Only when technology is invisible is it of any use.
6. Exocet, has become shorthand for Gothic, this was not his intention.
7. Designers don’t talk enough about how to make the world a more beautiful place.
8. Language is the ammunition we use to change society. Typography is the weapon.
9. David Bowie is a good guy.
10. I put my whole world into my typefaces.
Inspirational stuff to reflect upon. Many thanks to Jonathan for sharing his experiences with us.
*I indeed am also guilty of using Exocet and Mason to support a homage to Buffy the Vampire Slayer on a friends 21st birthday card.
Tags | agda, barnbrook, inspiration, Typography
Categories | Advertising, Graphic design, Inspirational, Video
[...] like Barnbrook (see my post from his talk here) inspired me to question the role of a graphic designer within culture throughout my uni degree. [...]