Helvetica Turns 50: Cool Modernism Turns Gray

Ticker

Monika Bauerlein,
CEO

Dear Reader,

The next few months are make-or-break for Mother Jones’ fundraising, and we need more online readers to pitch in than have been of late. In "It's Not a Crisis. This Is the New Normal," we take a level-headed look at the brutal economics of journalism, why investigative reporting like you get from us matters, and why we're optimistic we can grow our base of support in a big way—starting with hitting a huge $300,000 goal in just three weeks. Please learn more and donate if you can right now.

The next few months are make-or-break for Mother Jones’ fundraising. We need to raise $300,000 quickly, and we need more online readers to pitch in than have been. Please learn more in "It's Not a Crisis. This Is the New Normal," where we go into the brutal economics of journalism, and what makes Mother Jones unique and worth supporting if you can right now.

Fight disinformation: Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily newsletter and follow the news that matters.

The once ubiquitous typeface, which is still the signifier of accessible modernism (Hello Target! Hello Crate and Barrel, Microsoft, Muji, American Apparel…) turns 50 this year. To mark the anniversary of Helvetica’s release, Gary Hustwit has made a documentary that will be doing the film festival rounds this spring. To get a taste, check out the clips here. The Berlin montage is a witty look at Helvetica’s takeover of the city but mostly the interviews are for font geeks.