A few months ago I became increasingly frustrated by over reliance on Helvetica. We’ve all been there I’m sure, too many projects, time running out, just reach for Helvetica and add water, voila instant graphic design! There is an inherent problem with the font, it’s just too good. I mean there isn’t many instances I can think of were its use would look inappropriate.
For my own sanity and to broaden my horizons I made it my business to search out the five most practical alternatives to Helvetica. These examples are purely my opinion and in no way am I saying that they are as good as or as versatile as the legendary Helvetica.
1. Univers
First up Univers, seen by many as a font that was just as revolutionary as Helvetica. The family of twenty-one typestyles designed by Adrian Frutiger, is often seen as his masterwork. The creation of Univers opened the floodgates for typefaces with larger x-heights.
Faces can be put to work together with great effect making this a very versatile font.
2. Syntax
Next is Syntax, developed by Hans Eduard Meier in 1968 and presented by the font foundry D. Stempel AG. Syntax is based on calligraphic letterforms, yet also conveys the look of a more lively roman face. Its slight lean towards the right gives it a dynamic and snappy feel.
3. Neuzeit
Designed by Wilhelm C. Pischner thirty years before Helvetica, Neuzeit was later reintroduced by Linotype Foundry in 1966 with new weights. Neuzeit S is distinct for its contrast of wide circular characters o, O, p, q, and Q with the more compact characters h, n, u, and t. It has an altogether more gentle and delicate makeup than Helvetica.
4. Folio
Designed by Konrad F. Bauer and Walter Baum, and reintroduced by the Bauer Type Foundry from 1956 to 1963 with extra weights. Folio has a much more irregular and natural feel than Helvetica.
5. Trade Gothic
Trade Gothic, with its condensed faces, is a classic design for newspaper work, particularly for headlines and classified advertising. The condensed versions increase the versatility of the typeface, particularly for setting headlines and subheads.
January 18th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Nice Comparison, I do always think that I used Helvetica too much in designs but its so useful because it is on everyones computer allready.
January 18th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
That is a sexy ass blog. And what a great (but maybe a little blasphemous?) first post. Syntax and Folio are beautiful. I also love how you’re displaying the specimens.
I can’t think of anything to add or fix. It’s pretty spiffy.