Berlin was the center of the design world last week, with the latest edition of FontShop’s annual Typo event. Although the event centers around type, each year features a theme, and this year’s was music. The curators stayed on-target with three days of music and type-themed panels and presentations. Who knew there were so many type designers that are also musicians? (Hans Reichel, Wolframm, The House Industries guys, Rob Meek). Obviously graphic design plays a huge role in album cover art, and there were several presentations on the subject, including one from Kim Hiorthoy, who also contributed music to Helvetica.

I also (reluctantly) got into the act, by doing a panel about the making of the film in which I focused on the soundtrack. What does Helvetica sound like? I also talked a little about my background in music, punk rock, DIY creative action, surfing, and other miscellaneous topics. I’d never done one of these Powerpoint-style presentations, and hopefully won’t have to again. But it was pretty hilarious looking out from the stage at 300 people while I blasted Black Flag’s “Rise Above” at full volume, followed by Sonic Youth’s “Catholic Block”. I’m not sure what that had to do with the making of the film, but it sure was fun.

The closing event of Typo was the German Premiere of Helvetica. 1,000 people descended on the Cinestar Cubix theaters for the event, which was sponsored by Linotype. That’s a new attendance record for the film! Although we couldn’t fit everyone in one room… 750 were in the main theater, and 250 in a second overflow screen. Verdammnt!

Thanks to Viktor Nuebel and the team at FontShop for organizing a great weekend.

FontShop’s Stephen Coles and Yves Peters at the premiere

1,000 people + free Proseco (thanks Linotype!) + a small foyer