OUG4504 - Summer brief - Images & Content
During the summer I visited Amsterdam so I took this opportunity to take shots for the A-Z typography summer brief, this was my first time in Amsterdam so I was oblivious of what to expect in terms of graphic design and typography in the 'Venice of the north'. My first impressions of what to expect were the bright neon type of the red light district, but upon arrival I was immersed in various type so I set the challenge to capture as much diverse type as possible in the four days I was there.
I shot the images using a Canon Powershot SX60 HS, the camera is small in size so I was able to easily capture at ease.
Used as a shopfront for a hair salon, the serif typeface sign is efficient as it combines the two letters through the A’s descender. The letters are legible even with the stems of both A & B removed which makes the letters diverse.
‘Breukbanden’ in english means a framework of beams forming a rigid structure, this calligraphy would have been a form of advertisement many years ago. The obscure B creates a authentic sense that makes this signage unique.
Shot at the Replay store on Wolvenstraat, the neon light letter generates a style similar to neon windows found in the the famous red light district. The stencil form of the letter makes it bold and legible for passers by to read.
Dirk’s Dinners uses a typeface similar to Din to prompt a simple and contemporary logotype which sits centre of a window display.
This sans serif calligraphie signage is noticeable from a far distance so it sustains its purpose of informing on lookers. The calligraphy has a consistency unlike other handwritten type found in Amsterdam and the ‘E’ attracts attention with a large cap height.
The 3D signage of Foam extrudes onto Keizersgracht canal street, with the bold lowercase red type contrasting with the traditional type arched over the entrance along with the yellow backdrop promoting exhibitions.
‘Grof’ which translates to rough in english.This type is a far cry from rough as its clean approach is dignified by the use of contrasting colours that help engage people with the type.
Droog is a conceptual design company, who focus on matters that effect society and its people. The way finding at Droog is accompanied by a sleek slab serif typeface that is highlighted by the use of colour as well as the lined wall.
This neon light has a more personal tone of voice which is achieved by the handwritten type and message, you are forced to pay more attention to this type as you question the readability and legibility.
Medieval like type was a rare sight in Amsterdam, this type which is similar to Bavarian styles found in Germany but what makes this type distinct is the descending ‘J’.
Kompakt is a German record label who have a signature “Cologne Sound” a mix of minimalism, melody, and melancholy. Its logotype perseveres its minimalist approach with a a bold uppercase typeface to communicate the label. The use of the logotype on the the white wall enhances its aesthetic.
Lommertbrug bridge is just one of countless wooden bridges crossing the canals, the bridges are labeled by painted metal plaques which are one of the most common sights of type in Amsterdam. Each one individual by name but equal in style.
Maha which is a contemporary streetwear store located on Vijzelstraat has a solitary vinyl lettering logotype, that has a paintbrush stroke effect which gives each letterform a distinct stroke width. The type is made effective by being applied to a glass window to highlight the stroke edges.
This type is a road sign frequently found on the roads in Amsterdam, the use of a neo grotesque font makes the signage clear for all observers.
‘Overladen van tijd tot tijd’ translated in english meaning ‘Overloaded from time to time’ was shot at De Stedelijk design of modern art and design. The message is communicated well with the use of a bold uppercase font easy to read due to kerning.
How the type is applied is what makes this signage more interesting and diverse. The old wooden sheet previously had smaller black type on it but is strikingly overpowered by white slab serif which has characteristic elegant curves.
An oblique lowercase sans serif with a large bowl.
The illustrative ‘R’ overbears the window display, with the small line width of the letterform creating a subtle illustration style. The purpose of this letterform is to represent Rick van Het Meer, a high end hair salon in central Amsterdam.
Schatje Pataje is a restaurant located in the De Pijp district of Amsterdam, the signage is displayed above the door on clean white tiles and highlighted by spotlights to immerse people to the signage of restaurant. The font itself is a mix of comic style lettering and illustrative lines to create an intricate sign.
Neon letters is a popular form of signage in Amsterdam, The seafood bar uses it for signage out front and in store for decoration but also to illuminate their in name in the busy canal streets. Like most neon signage, the type is handwritten and personal to gain a more individual feel.
Unitz signage stands out because of the two forms of signs in use, you can view it straight on or either from the side with the 3D type. This makes the signage noticeable but the logotype is questionable of legibility and readability as the outlined letterforms aren’t very clear from a far.
Village, a small piece of leeds in Amsterdam. Village bookstore making an appearance via the logotype tote bag. A simple type to resemble Villages contemporary style.
A clean piece of typographic street art, with the type size increasing as the work descends down the wall.
A snapshot of Heineken brewery. Huge gold letterforms sprawl across the famous brewery but ‘Y’ stands out due to the stem and tail not joining together, creating a letterform unique to Heineken.
Zens is committed to design that fits in modern lifestyle and to share the oriental lifestyle of simplicity, imagination and contemporary. The type found above the storefront implicates its commitment to modern design.
