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This is one part of a series designed by Emigre as part of its latest "Type Specimen" a 64 paged book based on their typography designs. They sell for 3 bucks. Intrigued? Read on, or click the link below.

The use of color is incredibly gaudy in this image, but very endearing. Like some of my other posts, this peice has a nostalgic feeling to it. If you love it as much as I do, visit the website here. Something great to note is the ability to click on any font in the imge to view the typeface. It's all there, on one website. The broad use of type has been chosen masterfully and manages to balance itself regardless of the clutter. Definitely consider visiting this site if you see anything remotely interesting to you in the image above. The website its an excellent source of inspiration due to the archive of type being at your fingertips. An excellent website that's easy to navigate doesn't hurt either. Be warned, it's very colorful.

The designs range in style, but center around the same dated aesthetic. I think of Quentin Tarantino when I look at these pieces. It's the sort of thing I'd keep around the house, that has no actual purpose other than being purdy. If you need a hit of design fast, this is the place to go. Sign up too, I know I am.  
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Here an image taken from their home page. The close up accentuates the amount of detail in the series. "Type Specimen" would be a pleasure to read if every page were to look like this.

The website also tells you how to effectively use their designs, so it's a great self contained resource. You can purchase any of the fonts, browse t-shirts, promotional material, even ornaments. I came across their website from another blog based design library called Pica + Pixel
 
 
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Some typeface's are just ugly.. and by "ugly" I mean hideous. Comic Sans being one of them.

The postit note does have a point, one must admit. I enjoy how the punctuation of the lower note gives it a condescending voice. It has commas and hyphens in all the right places!

When using comic sans, you should use exclamation marks sparingly. Instead of sounding dramatic, you'd suspect the age of the person who wrote it. The excessive use of capslock is something else to note.

Is it lame that I laughed when I saw this?

To see the original post, click here.
 
 
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Although this tin is a little aged, it makes me think of old portraits and Grannie trinkets. Perhaps this is why this Edgeworth Tobacco Tin still has its charm. It gives off a certain nostalgic feel. Somehow this design managed to pull off three different typefaces in the one space. Something unheard of today. Pretty remarkable. I love the vivid color combination too and the border links all the typefaces together, creating harmony. I think without it, the balance of the composition would be way off. The detailing in the boarder leaves just enough negative space to prevent clutter. Click here or on the image to go to a package design blog called TheDieline.com 
 
 
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Really cool group of guys based in Melbourne. http://peoplecollective.tumblr.com/

Great website, I really love their work. Although this isn't strictly typeface, the use of elements including color and composition work great with the type. This piece was designed for the "Sports Club Project" as one of "The Next Wave Festival" keynote projects. The publication has an old American sport arena feel to it, as well as an ancient Colosseum aesthetic. I love the black and white, and how the text of "area" is described with the shadows and light of the letting. Definitely look these guys up, you won't regret it.

 
 
This video depicts themo sensitive business cards. The agency that designed them is Murmure. Murmure is a French based agency. The warmth of the hands is enough to make the images appear on the otherwise stark black cards. Very cool. You won't forget the agency, that's for sure. The graffiti signatures are a nice touch of individuality.  I'm curious as to what the experiery date is on these things. The last time I came across heat sensitive cards were Tarzos when I was a kid.

Here's a link to the Murmure project. The promotional pieces are really great.
 
 
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Zoë Cull is a letter cutter and although the days of hand tracing type are gone, this traditional art form is the result of a very straight hand and a lot of skill. She carves into thick slabs of stone, however the poise in the curves of the type she carves are incredibly smooth. So forget the letterpress and bask in the glory that in letter cutting. For more letter cutting, or other stone works, visit here: stoneform.com
 
 
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Some great print work designed by Studio Makgill. I love the "Olly Smith" promotional pieces. The use of minimalism is reflected in their choice of color and type. I love understated design, and this is a great example. I'd leave it in my wallet just to look at, or place it on my cork board. It'd make anyone eager to find out what the business is about. Myself included. 
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Next is their design of an annual report for Visa. It's another great example of minimalism. The choice of muffled colours works in congruency with the simplicity of design. It'd be a pleasure to read, which is how an annual report should be. The type is made up of a series of dots, emoting an industrial feel. The use of negative space makes the publication far more interesting than a conventional book. Apparently the book was created with a low budget as well.

This content was found on http://notsonippy.wordpress.com
I'll return to find more type goodies. 
 
 
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So you're a baker? Try these hip Helvetica cookie cutters designed by Beverly Hsu. "Mmmm, tastes like design".

On her site she describes herself as a "design librarian", I like her style! You will too. She's done other works in type, including a book called "B:" an accordion fold book to educate and encourage couples to get regular breast examinations. Her work includes postcards to packaging. Her work is humble but bold as it speaks for itself regardless. Everything is precise and deliberate. For the perfectionist, it's really satisfying. Definitely check it out, I've linked the image to her website.
 
 
Try one of these books to get the creative juices flowing. It'll be placed at the top of the magazine pile on your coffee table.