Just My Type Simon Garfield
Being a web and graphic designer I have a big love for Type and Fonts so when I saw this book in my favourite bookshop I knew that it just had to be mine!
Just My Type is a book about fonts. It talks about some of the most loved and some of the most hated and why people hate them so. I’m looking at you Comic Sans! But what I think I loved most about this book was that it was fun and playful whilst it was informative.
The author wrote like he was speaking to you, not lecturing you. I felt like he was on my level and that I wasn’t a bad or silly person for not knowing all of the important typefaces through history.
He made it interesting, and while it took me about 6 months to read it, it wasn’t because it was boring or a chore, it was because I didn’t want to read it when I was so tired I couldn’t really take it all in. I do a lot of my reading right before bed and I didn’t want to be dosing off and missing the good bits. (There were lots).
I love how he talked about the people behind the fonts and why some of the ones you see on a daily basis came to be.
If you’re at all interested in how Type blends into every part of your world, I think you will really enjoy this book like I have.
If you’d like a copy you can find one here
London Gifts with a Twist
I don’t know about you, but when I travel I like to pick up different things that will one day spark a memory of my trip and what I loved (or something that didn’t go to plan).
I could get the normal touristy stuff, and sometimes I do, but I’m often left wondering what to do with it when I get home (hello shamu toy from sea world san diego!!). I like to think outside the box and get something that is special to the place but can also be used too.
Here are some of my picks for a trip to London.
1. London Underground Cushion by Hunted and Stuff * 2. This is London book by M. Sasek
3. Orla Kiely Set of 5 Round Cake Tins from Heals * 4. Union Jack Liberty Print Notecards, Liberty London
I especially love the idea of the cake tins if you can fit them in your bag as they make for great gifts and are something you can use over and over again. I have a biscuit tin in the shape of France that I got in Southern France and it always brings a smile to my face when I see it.
I also love the Liberty London note cards as there really is only one place to get them and Liberty is worth the trip!
