Type Observed: Hobo

I see the typeface “Hobo” in a lot of different places — labels, signs, posters, logos – the list goes on. I once thought that this was one of the ugliest type designs out there, but I now realize that it’s not the design itself, or even the terrible name — it’s mostly because of how it’s used and misused. Of all the type crimes out there (thank you Ellen Lupton: http://www.thinkingwithtype.com/contents/extras/#Type_Crimes), you’ll often find Hobo as a nearby accomplice. And I’ve certainly made my jokes about this “awful” typeface over the years, but once I studied the origin and the history of this design, I’ve become much less critical.
Stylistically, Hobo looks like something crafted from 1970′s, but was actually designed in 1910 towards the end of the Art Noveau Movement. It was designed by Morris Fuller Benton, one of America’s most prolific typeface designers. After closer examination, the letters are actually well-proportioned (when typeset properly) — every part of each letter is curved, which gives it a decorative effect, but with a modern twist. It’s lowercase letters are unique — descenders that do not drop below the baseline. Yeah, it’s weird — but it’s designed to be a display type. Fairly progressive for 1910, considering that most typography from that period was very decorative and ornate.

So I’m no longer a Hobo-hater. I just hate seeing it being misused.

Note: If you’ve seen examples of Hobo type out there (good or bad), please send  some pics my way – I’m starting a collection of images and would love to include yours! Thanks.

Soda Wars

Looks like Coke has held up a little better than Pepsi. Wait, is that an ashtray in the middle?

The Rural Route

Traveling the backroads of our state is a visual treat for me — I'd choose that over the I-XX Interstate any day, assuming time allows (which isn't often). I suppose that many prefer to haul-ass down the interstate, with the only priority being their ETA. But isn't it nice to slow down a bit and soak in some of the rural areas and the small towns along the way? There are untold stories and unknown history. Old buildings and new neighborhoods. Abandoned warehouses and rejuvenated businesses. Communities that are close-knit and neighborly. Sometimes, you see things that appear so out of place in our modern, connected world, yet connected in a more human way. Here are a few shots from my day trip not far from home (which included a bike purchase and a great mountain bike ride at Lynch's Woods Park in Newberry, SC).

I love the hand-painted, unintentional layered type.

Specialized Stumpjumper Comp and SE Racing OM Flyer.

My favorite shot.

Nice rusty patina on this old gas station sign.

This just seemed right in sepia tone/black and white.

Somewhere along the way (Kinard)

Beautiful homesite with nice pecan trees.

Riding at Lynch's Woods Park in Newberry, SC (Part of the Palmetto Trail)

Panoramic shot of the Park (using Photosynth app).

 

Christmas Parade in Prosperity.

Prosperity, SC

SE Racing OM Flyer.

Pacer for Sale

IMG_2575, originally uploaded by ⊹⊹⊹wryonedwards⊹⊹⊹.

Color wheels

Experimental illustration with cut paper, pen and ink and found objects.

There's a story behind that.

While stopped at an intersection recently, my eye was drawn toward a helical red and blue striped sign that we all recognize as the barber's sign — the archetypal spinning sign mounted to the facade of the modest building. It made me wonder about the history and the meaning behind that design and intrigued me enough to do further research. I remember reading about the symbolism of that design years ago, but couldn't remember all of the gory details. Looking at the object in isolation seems like a strange and unusual object, but when you understand the origin and meaning, it all makes sense.



Back in the day, barbers used to perform medical procedures, including tooth extractions and bloodletting services. Apparently, they would hang the bloody bandages on a pole outside to dry and the wind would wrap the bandages around the pole. Yes, disturbing, but we’re talking the Middle Ages here. The pole represents the staff that was used for the patient to grip to encourage blood flow. The color red is symbolic for arterial blood, blue represents venous blood and the white symbolizes the bandages. It’s also possible that the blue was added when the signs were used in the United States, to honor the national colors. It's interesting how universal and immediately recognizable this design has become over many centuries in many cultures.

But a note of caution: If you’re in certain parts of Asia, the barber's pole design could be used to advertise and disguise a completely different type of business establishment, but I’ll steer clear of that story.

CreateAthon begins!

CreateAthon www.riggs-createathon.com/ is our once a year, 24-hour, work-around-the-clock creative marathon during which we provide nonprofit marketing and design services on a pro bono basis. Let the work begin! Check out the video that Emulsion Arts (Charlotte, NC) made for the event. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBuhuaf4d1s