Helvetica 

     Helvetica is a typeface that originates from Switzerland. Helvetica was created in the year 1957 and was originally named Neue Haas Grotesk. This typeface can be seen all over the world. Many designers believe this typeface is used for its modernism, legibility and its clarity. Good typographers were and are still sensitive and aware when it comes to the distance between letters. Wim Crouwel is one of many graphic designers who believes that a typeface should be clear, readable, and straightforward, such as Helvetica.

     Massimo Vignelli is the graphic designer who created the American Airlines logo in 1966. This logo consist of both words containing no spaces, only to be separated by the difference of color. Vignelli used the colors red and blue to separate these words due to both of the colors representing americanism. Since this logo was created, it has remained even til today, unlike other logos that has changed its design numerous times since its creation. Helvetica classifies as a Neo-grotesque sans-serif. It is known for its clarity and neutral meaning in its form.

     During the 1960’s, Helvetica effected advertising and corporate identity. Corporates used Helvetica because it helped them seem neutral and efficient as well as the smoothness of the letters which made them seem human. They also use it to look more accessible, transparent, and accountable. Helvetica invites open interpretation. Examples of company branding that use Helvetica are Staples, The North Face, JCPenney, Fendi, and Oral-B.

     The relationship between Helvetica and Swiss International design is that they both are used to represent cleanliness, readability, and objectivity. They also have modernism in common. Swiss International design contains more color and design unlike the Helvetica typeface but they both help to represent legibility. There were many designers that appeared in the Helvetica documentary. Just to name a few, the documentary included Matthew Carter, Mike Parker, Alfred Hoffmann, Hermann Zapf, Leslie Savan, David Carson, and Massimo Vignelli. These designers were very detailed in their explanation of Helvetica and the impact it had on them as well as the rest of the world.

     Helvetica not only was able to affect the way of branding and graphic design, but it was also able to establish expressionism. Helvetica allows one to interpret it as one pleases. It is a very clean typeface that was created during 1957 and has continued to develop through 2016, present day. Originating from Switzerland, Helvetica can now be seen around the world helping express clarity and modernism.