Jarrik Muller is an Amsterdam-based designer. His work explores dimensional letter-forms and typography as an object. The Journal interviewed Mr Muller about his latest explorations and his thoughts on type.

You created the 3D typeface for German magazine Jpeople, correct? How did they approach you for the project?

I started this 3D typeface as a personal project in 2006 and finished it in 2009. It started as a 2D typeface; after I added grey tones to it I realized that there might be more than one way of viewing it than a 2D typeface. I began to see the possibilities of a 3D typeface and began experimenting with random words made out of foam board and wood. This resulted in a 3D typeface, constructed out of paper, that is easy to use, reproduce and has plenty of possibilities for design processes. Thanks to Zedz for being a good sparring partner, always there to bounce ideas off.

The Euro icon, released on December 12, 1996, is the most recently designed symbol for a currency. The Euro character was the final selection out of ten other symbols presented to the general public. Its shape derives from the Greek epsilon (ε), and the “C” character, which references the cradle of European civilization . The two horizontal lines have been attributed to the stability of the European market. Before the symbol was created, the European Commision (EC) listed four criterion for the design:

It should be a highly recognisable symbol of Europe. It should have a visual link with existing well-known currency symbols. It should be aesthetically pleasing and easy to write by hand.

The Journal wrote on The Font Game, the iPhone edition of the font recognition game, a month ago. We sent a set of questions to John Boardley, the creator of the popular type blog I Love Typography. He recently wrote back with answers. In the interest of a new, more complete perspective on the subject, his responses are reproduced below.

The web version was created years ago, what led to the idea of the Font Game for the iPhone?

The iPhone’s popularity, and that it’s the perfect format for a game like the Font Game. And because it would be a challenge and an opportunity to work with Justin and Kari.

Why the word “fargo?” Why not “Handgloves,” or something else?

Handgloves is too wide for the iPhone screen in portrait mode — and too many letters. We don’t want to make it too easy. Fargo is happy compromise, and includes the a and g, which often can be quite distinctive.

Image created by John Winge

There has been somewhat of a revival, a wild, crazed passion as of late. For what, you ask? Ampersands.

I’m sure that doesn’t strike you as strange after seeing multiple ampersand blogs show up recently. Even the Society of Typographic Aficionados’s Font Aid IV project aims to raise money through a font that is made solely of ampersands. To see what inspired this sensation, let’s take a look back at the origins of this interesting and mysterious shape.

15" × 19" posters printed by Nick Sherman to promote the documentary Typeface

Typeface, a new documentary film by Justine Nagan, tells the story of an extinct profession and reveals the world surrounding woodblock typography.

Wood type is shown through the lens of the Hamilton Type Museum, a once-famous type foundry. The film takes place in three different areas in the Northern United States: the Museum in Two Rivers, WI; Post Family artists’ collective in Chicago, IL, and; Purdue Univeristy in West Lafayette, IN. All play into Typeface’s story:

The museum’s … existence is critical to the worldwide design community who are passionate about the history of their craft and its function in the contemporary field. They believe the future of the industry may lie in the past.

The Font Game for the iPhone and iPod Touch

I Love Typography (ILT) released The Font Game, a new application that tests typeface knowledge, on December 17th for the iPhone and iPod Touch. ILT founder John Boardley designed gameplay along with Kari Pätilä, who also created online support. Justin Stahl developed the game; it is his second application for the iPhone. (His first was the very useful reference tool, The Typographic Manual.)

A quick look at The Font Game:

Read Between the Leading is currently the best podcast source of design news and discussion I have come across. Each episode offers an enlightening and relevant discourse from grad students Matt McInerney and Aaron Heth (both studying at Savannah College of Art & Design). The majority of their shows includes a guest speaker, usually a well known designer or typographer. Some of their previous guests include: Jos Buivenga, David Airey, Aaron Draplin, Ryan and Don Clark (of Invisible Creature), John Boardley (of I Love Typography), and more.

I thought it would be interesting to ask them a few questions regarding their motivations and desires for the show as well as some cool behind the scenes information. They have provided us with some thoughtful responses.