RICHARD KEGLER
P22 TYPE FOUNDRY
P22 type foundry creates computer typefaces inspired by art, history and sometimes science. P22 is well-known for its work with museums and foundations to ensure the development of accurate historical typefaces that are fully relevant for today's computer user. In addition to its in-houseÊfont design, P22 now licenses several new type designs from around the world. P22 type foundry, International House of Fonts and Sherwood Type Foundry are all divisions of P22. Contact: www.p22.com
How did you first become interested in type design? Type and type design came after two degrees in art and design. I had no formal training or even a typography class. The last 10 years have been self-taught, with much learning still to do.
Who has most influenced your work, in or out of the design field? A combination of the ready-made aesthetic of Marcel Duchamp and the handmade craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts movement were and still are two complementary influences — randomness meets crafted intent.
What is your favorite typeface that you have designed? My favorite font is probably the most conceptual and least useful P22 font. "P22 Cage Silence" was inspired by John Cage's composition, "4'33"." The font has no outlines and no bitmaps, but it can be spell-checked and it has the same metrics as "P22 Cage Text."
What is the best-selling typeface you have designed? The best-selling font I have personally designed is probably Daddy-O Hip, designed for the Beat Culture in America Exhibit at The Whitney Museum. Its design inspiration of jazz record sleeves and paperback lettering was enhanced by drinking an exceptionally large amount of coffee and just working from start to finish in a day (possibly the quickest P22 font ever done).
Is there any commonly-used typeface that you wish you could banish? If you mean one of our own, there is no specific font, but how they are used. Advice to type designers: NEVER put quirky alternates for an all-caps font in the lower case positions. Too many people "type" rather than typeset. If you mean just any fonts, there will always be the usual Comic Sans, Times and Helvetica bashers out there, but imagine what people would do if those three ceased to exist!
How do you come up with a font name? Is it important or just whimsical? A font name has to be unique for distinction as well as trademark reasons. With some 50,000+ fonts out already, it's harder than naming a child. The name should suit the font. It is important, but it can be expressive and fun. A serious fonts should not be called "Stinky-poo."
