Sorry, purists among you. This newsletter has turned out a little exuberant. It must have been something in the air, or perhaps it was the sheer quantity of sunlight that shone on so many of us over the past few months — the font-loving public seems to have been lusting for flourish. Most of the stars of the moment bathe in ornament and swashes. What’s true for hip-hop probably goes for typography too; you either love the bling, or you hate it. Should the latter be the case, please scroll down to our impressively serious Text Font section. We also have some great MyFonts news for screen typography addicts. Enjoy!
The number of successful type designers living and working in Berlin today is staggering. Some individual careers are no less impressive. Born and raised in Berlin, this month’s interviewee started up his own typefoundry the moment he submitted his first typeface to MyFonts in 2012 — and he’s been on an upward trajectory from there. Two of his font families made our 2012 and 2013 lists of Fonts of the Year. He hasn’t brought out a single family yet that has not done well. His designs are powerful, unadorned, straightforward, and well-made. Meet the energetic and purposeful René Bieder.