Goodtype: The Art of Lettering
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Author: Brooke Robinson
Publisher: Rizzoli
Year Published: 2018
Dimensions: 8.75” x 11.75”
Pages: 287
Goodtype’s Art of Lettering is a compendium of lettering work from some of the greatest letterer’s on Instagram. With over 280 pages, this book features work, the processes, and essays that showcase what lettering is all about. All of the work included has been submitted to Goodtype by artists and designers from all around the globe. It follows a pretty simple template with one photo showing process and the other showing the finished piece. I enjoy this concept because it shows that the framework to each piece can be quite complex compared to what the finished product looks like.
This being said, I do think that a lot of the submissions could have done more to show their efforts. Quite a few of the process shots look almost identical to the finished piece. In fact, some of them are the finished piece but with a pencil added to the composition, or the physical rendering before digitization. It feels like the submitters are faking the process, or that they are attempting to show the process after the project has been completed. Obviously this is not Goodtype’s fault as they don’t have control over the submissions.
Another great aspect of this collection is the amount of varied work featured in it. From hand-lettering, to digital lettering, to 3D manipulations, the work features a great selection of media, compositions, and subjects that can spark inspiration in literally any designer. I also enjoy the different amount of uses for all of the pieces. Some serve as murals, others as stationery, and some as social media posts that only serve the purpose to exist only online. This is incredible because it showcases the flexibility and modularity that lettering possesses.
It is important to note that this book is not very text heavy, and it does not serve as a lettering guide. It is purely visual. Despite the few essays by top designers like Ken Barber and Jessica Hische [who in my opinion, provided the best interview], they don’t really offer that much advice. Except for Jessica Hische who somewhat touches on some of the more behind-the-scenes efforts that led to her success. This being said, I am somewhat disappointed in the lack of thoughtful essays. Books that feature large collections of visual work are some of the best devices to include short, theoretical, philosophical, and impactful essays. The contrast between cognitive activity from the creative right-side of the brain and the logical left-side is such a powerful tool to utilize in these types of books, and it provides a perfect balance. I think The Art of Lettering provides the perfect amount of writing, I just wish it was more substantial compared to the amount of stunning work they’re paired with.
In conclusion, I think Goodtype: The Art of Lettering is a perfect book for any graphic designer, typographer, or lettering enthusiast. It is perfect for any age and any skill range, and would serve as the perfect gift to give to your designer friend. Although I think the cost is perfectly justified, I do understand that it might be stretch for some, because at the end of the day, readers can skip the book and just follow Goodtype on Instagram for similar content. Not only that, but even just searching the lettering tags on Instagram will provide readers with much, much more content that is just as great.
