All the characteristics of a debut work:
Levato by Felix Bonge

At this point, I would like to use the opportunity to draw your attention to a particular typeface. Levato, which has only recently been made available at Linotype.com, is a font family with a large repertoire that was developed on the basis of experiments undertaken by Felix Bonge while participating in a type design course held by Professor Jovica Veljović. After subsequently attending a calligraphy seminar, Bonge completely reworked his concept and achieved this impressive result. Levato is graceful, dynamic and versatile all at the same time. There are five weights with the corresponding genuine italic versions. The suite of glyphs thus covers all potential options: the four character sets, small caps, numerous ligatures, ornamental and swash character variants mean the Levato can be used in headlines, to design magazine layouts and to set continuous text.

For more information on this typeface, ideas for possible applications and the opportunity to purchase the Levato family for your own use, and for reading an interview with Felix Bonge, go to Linotype.com.

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Helvetica now available in Thai

Helvetica has also learned to speak Thai: the Thai font designer Anuthin Wongsunkakon has created Thai versions of the classic typefaces Helvetica and Neue Helvetica. These versions are available in the weights Light, Regular and Bold, with the corresponding italic variants. Helvetica Thai harmonises perfectly with its Latin original and these two can thus happily be used in combination. With its pared-down and simplified form, Helvetica Thai replicates the appearance of modern Thai calligraphy.

Those who would like more information on this subject will find two interesting articles at Linotype.com. In the one, Anuthin Wongsunkakon describes the conversion process that resulted in the creation of Helvetica Thai. The other is an interview with the designer, in which he talks about various aspects of typography and typeface design.

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Typecasting carries on in Darmstadt

The last months have been very critical of the continued existence of the type casting department in the Darmstadt Museum “Haus der Industriekultur.” The owner of the production and distribution company “Schriftenservice Stempel” has dissolved the company end of 2011.

Rainer Gerstenberg, who operates the machines for over 25 years in Darmstadt, has taken over all the machines and matrices and can now cast and distribute the lead types, stamping types and short types under the name “Druckerei Gerstenberg”.

The range of hotmetal typefaces is very large. He can cast and deliver the faces from the former D. Stempel AG, Nebiolo, Deberny & Peignot, Olive, Klingspor and Haas.

Contact:

Druckerei Gerstenberg

1. Wartegässchen 41
60598 Frankfurt/Main

Fon 069 / 68 16 10
Fax 069 / 65 00 70 08
Mobil 01 60/7 00 64 49
gerstenbergdruck@aol.com

New and notable typography app

This app allows you to take pictures of type in use and share it on Fontli’s network, on Twitter, or on Facebook. Also, you can geotag the picture, spot up to three typefaces and comment on the typeface in use. Social Proofing is given by the community who can correct/comment wrongly spotted typefaces.

The app is available on the iTunes app store.

Fontli app screenshots

Fontli

Anniversary for Font Aid V: Made For Japan

Just to remind you that there is still help needed in Japan. You can support them with purchasing this font. The revenue goes directly to this charity.

Here are more details:
In March of 2011, the Society of Typographic Aficionados began organizing a collaborative project which united the typographic and design communities. The goal of Font Aid V: Made For Japan was to raise funds to expedite relief efforts after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Nearly 300 contributors from 45 countries sent in over 500 glyphs in a single week.

Behind the scenes, volunteers Neil Summerour, Silas Dilworth, Delve Withrington, and Grant Hutchinson were working hard to assemble the typeface in Adobe Illustrator and Fontlab. The sheer number of submissions coupled with the complexity of some of the designs caused unforeseen delays in completing the typeface. The team not only managed the immense influx of submissions, they also had several technical hurdles to overcome and multiple content reviews to mitigate before the final version of the font could be produced. Several months after the project was initiated, Font Aid V: Made For Japan was finally ready for distribution.

With the help of Sogo Japan, all profits from sales of this typeface will be delivered directly to organizations in Japan, such as Second Hand and AMDA International (Association of Medical Doctors of Asia). Sogo Japan strives to help circumvent regular international charity channels and the inefficiencies associated with them.

You can purchase your support copy here

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Arabic lectures and workshops in March

Linotype is on tour again! Here are the dates and relevants info:
New York
TDC talk: Engaging with the Middle East, Tarek Atrissi will also give a talk about Arabic Typography, March 15 at 18:30. The event will be livecast online and you can get your tickets for the webcast here.
TDC Workshop: Introduction to Arabic Type Design, March 16-17. Spaces still available so sign up before they’re out.
Dubai
Nuqat talk on March 19: Designing for Tomorrow
Nuqat workshop with Tarek Atrissi on March 20-22: Arabic Lettering and Type Design
I’m in Dubai till March 28 so if you want to meet up just let me know! I have some meetings and private workshops planned, but there are some open slots open.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dabi Bookfair Design Panel chaired by Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, March 29 at 16:00
New York University Abu Dhabi: Lecture and workshop, April 1