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Why We ‘Love to Hate’ Comic Sans
Dec 2, 2024
Simon Garfield, author of "Comic Sans: The Biography of a Typeface," dives into the quirky journey of Comic Sans, from its unintentional creation at Microsoft to its polarizing reputation. He discusses how this beloved yet loathed font became emblematic of a cultural debate on typography. Garfield highlights its surprising acceptance in educational settings for dyslexia and its role in the ironic humor of online culture. Listeners learn how font choices reflect personal expression and societal attitudes in a digital age.
57:45
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Quick takeaways
- Comic Sans was designed to make technology feel approachable and assist users, showcasing the importance of accessibility in design.
- The cultural debate around Comic Sans illustrates evolving perceptions of typography and reflects broader societal discussions on taste and inclusivity.
Deep dives
Origins of Comic Sans
Comic Sans originated as a solution to a design issue rather than a formally intended typeface. Vincent Canary, a typographic engineer at Microsoft, created it to provide a more approachable and friendly look for animated speech bubbles in a program aimed at assisting users unfamiliar with computers. This typeface emerged from a desire to make technology feel less intimidating and more accessible, particularly for those across various age groups, not just children. Its design was inspired by comic book lettering, which Canary hand drew, infusing it with a playful and informal character.
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