Friday, October 10, 2008

Clash of the Typefaces

Storefront in Ballard

What is wrong with this picture? Or rather, what isn't wrong with it? At first glance, it was the cliche application of the beloved papyrus that caught my eye. But as I stepped closer and closer to the storefront window to take my photograph, I was overcome with a wave (pun not originally intended, but I'll take it!) of emotions ranging from confusion to anger to sadness. 

Oh, dear sweet 8 lb. 4 oz. lil' baby Jesus, where to begin?

Overrated Typeface
No-brainer. Refer to original post about it. Moving along...

More is More
Two-toned, outlined font. I'm not even going to indulge you on the tragedy of the chosen color here. Let's move on before the vomiting in mouth commences...

Faux-Geek
The weak attempt at helping people pronounce rejuvenation. Because there is a long-running debate on how to properly pronounce the word. Right. C'mon. It's not like trying to pronounce !Xobile. But, seriously, if you're gonna go there, why stop at syllables and accents? Where's the schwa? (hint: the 'e' in 've') The short/long vowel symbols? Go hard or go home. Next...

The Wave
Better left to baseball games and surfing and greeting people from afar. Next...

Improper Engagement
Incorporating the window mullion into the signage. It's like breaking the fourth wall in acting, except we're not acting and I'm going to take a wild guess and say that it was not intended as an artistic maneuver to challenge the onlooker into reevaluating their view on two-dimensional vinyl graphic signage. Gonna guess it was someone's low-fi "solution" to a "problem" or something of the sort. I'm......without words....(well, without more words)... Next...

Inconsistency
Not incorporating the window mullion into the wavy waves graphic that is part of the Papyrus text. Forgive me, but it just had to be said.

This may be another example of storefront signage that causes such pain and anguish that the very thing they are selling is what will ease such pain and anguish. Sort of like the high density of fast food businesses surrounding the vicinity of many-a-24 hour fitness franchises. 

I dunno, just an observation.

Until next time,
Font Police

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