the power of the Ps

Eleven months ago – way before I started this little series of 52 fonts – I wrote about Perpetua. At the time, of course, Barack Obama was the outsider - the man who stood very little chance of becoming president. Which just goes to show how the right choice of font can do wonders for your image.

And talking of winning, I have lots to thank Palatino for. Because way back at the beginning of my career I won a Royal Society of Arts bursary, thanks to its use in my 'Heritage Trust' project submission.

Here's what the Hampshire Chronicle had to say:

Local Man Takes Top Typography Award

A Winchester man was recently awarded the top bursary in Typography in the Industrial Design Bursaries competition of the Royal Society of Arts.

[davidthedesigner], who is a graphic designer, formerly attended the Southampton College of Art for four years. He submitted his entry in September of last year and received his award recently in London, at the Society's headquarters.

Forty-five candidates took part in the typography section alone, and this was eight more than in the previous year. Those entering had to assume that they had been commissioned by an organisation owning properties of historic interest, to re-design its printed matter in order to give it a unified and recognisable style. Typographical layouts were required for a give-away leaflet, letterheading, membership card, one of a series of booklets on country houses, and one of a series of posters.

Commenting on [davidthedesigner]'s entry, the jury wrote: "[davidthedesigner] showed maturity and commendable professionalism in his analysis of the problem, and his presentation and report were quite outstanding. His layouts and specification were clear and accurate, so that it would have been possible to put the work in hand for immediate production.

"These qualities made his submission stand out among those of other competitors, although it was fealt that his treatment of some of the items created a slightly aggressive feeling not altogether suitable for the subject.

"The overall corporate identity, however, came over consistently and the concern for the use of his scheme in relation to the future development of The Heritage Trust showed a practical approach. His poster was intelligently handled and particularly attractive," stated the jury report.

Sometimes, just sometimes, it feels like it's been downhill ever since.

Comments

[Michael Reed]

Come on David, you have to show us the work now.

[davidthedesigner]

Mike - it's lost in the mist of time, I'm afraid (much like my Family and Neil Young albums). And I can't recreate it without a few sheets of Letraset and a Rotring pen.

[Ben]

I won an RSA bursary. So did Jonathan Ive. We should have a reunion.

[davidthedesigner]

Your place or Jonathan's?