2016-07-11
Eric Calloway
Design Dispatch, New York
Designer Ethan Nakache has revived a classic 1970s typeface, breathing new life into the traditional serif font. By re-releasing this vintage design, Nakache aims to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the serif genre.
Reviving a Forgotten Typewriter Era: Bringing Back the Classics
In an era dominated by digital fonts and minimalist design aesthetics, a group of designers are on a mission to revive classic typewriters and bring back a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. One such designer is Ethan Nakache, who has successfully reimagined the 1970s typeface Gesh Ortega Roman 275. By breathing new life into this long-forgotten font, Nakache aims to add something unique to the serif genre.
For those unfamiliar with typography, a serif font is characterized by small lines or flourishes at the ends of its letters. In the past, serif fonts were widely used in printing and have a distinct classic feel to them. However, as digital technology advanced, many serif fonts fell out of favor in favor of more modern, sans-serif designs. Nakache's latest project serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional typography.
According to Nakache, reviving an old typeface requires careful consideration and decision-making. "You need to focus on what to keep, and what to drop," he explains. This process involves analyzing the font's original characteristics and determining which elements can be preserved while also making changes that enhance its aesthetic appeal for modern use. For Gesh Ortega Roman 275, Nakache chose to retain its distinctive letterforms and classic feel while introducing subtle refinements to make it more suitable for contemporary designs.
Nakache's fascination with the Gesh Ortega Roman 275 font began when his friend showed him a copy of the original design from 1972. The designer was immediately struck by the font's beauty and potential, realizing that it was "too beautiful to be all but dead." Originally created by Gerhard Schwekendiek for Bertho, the font had been largely overlooked in recent years, making its revival all the more exciting. Nakache's passion project has not only brought back a classic typeface but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of traditional typography.
A Love Letter to Typographic History
Nakache's journey into reviving Gesh Ortega Roman 275 was sparked by his love for typography and history. As a designer, he is deeply interested in understanding how fonts have evolved over time and how they reflect the cultural and technological contexts in which they were created. By studying classic typewriters and analyzing historical font designs, Nakache aims to create fonts that not only honor the past but also contribute meaningfully to the present.
One of the most significant challenges in reviving an old typeface is ensuring its compatibility with modern software and printing techniques. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in typographic heritage and the desire to preserve classic font designs for future generations. Nakache's work demonstrates that it is possible to successfully adapt traditional fonts to contemporary contexts while still maintaining their original essence.
A New Era for Classic Typography
The revival of Gesh Ortega Roman 275 serves as a testament to the ongoing appeal of classic typography. As designers continue to explore new ways of working with traditional fonts, we can expect to see a renewed interest in serif fonts and other classic typographic styles. For Nakache, this means not only designing fonts that are aesthetically pleasing but also contributing to a broader conversation about the importance of preserving our typographic heritage.
In an era where digital fonts dominate the design landscape, it is refreshing to see designers like Nakache embracing traditional typography. By reviving classic fonts and making them more accessible, we can create a more diverse and inclusive visual language that honors the past while also looking towards the future. As Nakache's work continues to gain recognition, we can expect to see a new era of classic typography emerge, one that is both rooted in tradition and open to innovation.
Conclusion
Ethan Nakache's revival of Gesh Ortega Roman 275 is a remarkable achievement that highlights the enduring power of traditional typography. By carefully analyzing and adapting this classic font, Nakache has created a design that not only honors the past but also contributes meaningfully to the present. As designers continue to explore new ways of working with traditional fonts, we can expect to see a renewed interest in serif fonts and other classic typographic styles. In the words of Nakache himself, "You need to focus on what to keep, and what to drop," – a philosophy that serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and restraint in design.
About the Author
Ethan Nakache is a typography designer with a passion for reviving classic fonts and exploring traditional typographic styles. With his latest project, Gesh Ortega Roman 275, Nakache has brought back a bygone era of elegance and sophistication to modern designs. When not designing fonts, Nakache can be found researching historical font designs and learning about the evolution of typography.
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