Wonky Type Wonderland
Friday, June 1st, 2012
Laugh-In magazine headline, 1968
Let’s be honest, when I’m at a party I love when someone gets rip-roarin’ drunk and makes a crazy fool of himself. Usually that person is me, and I’m wearing the lampshade. I can’t say I recall any of the most embarrassing moments, although I did have a taxi go through a Jack in the Box drive thru at 2 in the morning.
I also love when type gets drunk and wonky. I’m not talking about type that is a tiny bit “wacky”. I like the stuff that is out of control all over the place. The 1950s and 60s were a haven for drunk type. I imagine, based on Mad Men, that the designers were smashed at work, so the type followed. Today, there is less crazed drinking at work (most days). This results in stand-up sober, polite typography. Which is fine when it’s at a meeting of neurologists or CEOs, but let’s agree that type should be let out to have a groovy time once in a while.
Magazine page, 1968
Sprite packaging, 1950s
Pillow Talk titles, 1959
John Hubley, Director, Film title, 1966
John Severson, The Angry Sea, 1963
New York World's Fair banner, 1964
Lost in Space opening titles, 1968
Paul Rand, Apparel Arts, 1939
50 Guitars Visit Hawaii, 1962
