Flourish Forum

General Categories => Open Flourish | General Discussion => Topic started by: Erica McPhee on January 07, 2014, 08:46:24 AM

Title: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 07, 2014, 08:46:24 AM
Has anyone seen the cover (and inside) lettering on bon appetit magazine this month (Jan 2014 issue)? I am interested in hearing thoughts about it. As a calligrapher and lettering artist who has trained and practiced for almost 35 years, I struggle with this style of lettering. Is it really lettering? It's definitely not calligraphy.

I suppose it bothers me because I don't understand how it ended up on the cover of and all throughout a popular magazine. Bon appetit has used lots of lovely lettering over the years. It's typically quirky but fun. I get the "bohemian" style. When I think of bon appetit, I think of upscale, gourmet cooking in the home. The lettering just doesn't say that to me. So is this one of those contemporary art trends I just won't ever understand or am I missing the "feel" of it? Or does this mean I am getting old?  :D

I would love to hear other's perspective/thoughts on this. Not only from a calligrapher/lettering artist perspective but also from a consumer/marketing perspective. Please try to keep your comments kind because remember, no matter your reaction/thoughts about it, there is still a heart that loves letters on the other end of that pen!
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Linda Y. on January 07, 2014, 11:21:46 AM
I'm always fascinated by this topic, Erica - I have not noticed, but now I will go look for a copy!

[Edited to add] "the new healthy?"
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: MICHELA on January 07, 2014, 01:32:59 PM
I went online and found it! It's this one right?


I actually love that bold and spontaneous style, but I think that's not the best example of it I have seen....on top of it, maybe not the preferred style for such a magazine.

I think here it looks completely different:

Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: ewigginton on January 07, 2014, 03:12:35 PM
Wow. Just wow.
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Linda Y. on January 07, 2014, 04:46:02 PM
I agree - the lettering doesn't look particularly well-suited for the Bon Appetit cover, but the other examples are really wonderful, especially the Jazz layout! Really captures the joy, spontenaity and movement of jazz.

Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Emily on January 07, 2014, 06:54:17 PM
I do like the spontaneity, but I agree that it doesn't really flow with that particular cover... maybe that kind of style works better with some kind of structure/layout to it.
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Perfectsettings on January 07, 2014, 08:47:37 PM
Not a fan.  At. All.  It looks angry to me.  *shrug*
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Lori M on January 08, 2014, 12:55:24 AM
I just got an email last week about an online class in "brush script" from a scrapbooking company. (I confess -- I'm a scrapbooker.) I have a feeling this is a style that we're going to see a lot of for awhile.

It's interesting that the class uses bamboo brushes -- the brush strokes do remind me a little of Asian calligraphy (except that Asian calligraphy is more graceful and elegant). To me, brush script has as unrefined feel, which can be appropriate for some cases, like the examples Michela shows.

The link for the class is http://www.studiocalico.com/shop/classrooms/life-scripted (http://www.studiocalico.com/shop/classrooms/life-scripted)

Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 08, 2014, 01:23:59 AM
Wow, Michela - you are a great sleuth!  :)

Sorry I had to remove the images. I am very careful regarding copyright and fair use. Although it is fuzzy with using fair use for criticism in an educational setting, I would rather be careful and respectful. At first I thought I could leave just the links but there is some question as to deep links and direct links to images with a trademark so I removed them. (SORRY after all your hard work!) [I did not remove Lori's because it is a link to the person's site which is permissible.]

But yes, that is it. I actually really like the other examples. I like the energetic brush style. But there is a difference between those and the Bon Appetit cover. I thought the same thing Daisy. In a different context, it could be successful, though. Like perhaps a fitness magazine.

I agree Lori, I think it's going to become even more popular. And that's fine! Lettering in all styles and variances is taking off like crazy. I just hope there is recognizable value in lettering that is both spontaneous but skillful and representative of what it is trying to convey.
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: MICHELA on January 08, 2014, 03:05:03 AM
Oh no worries, my fault! Good to get to know the rules by trial and error ehehe  :-[ :-[ :P :P

But as you mention, we will see this more and it will probably come up again on the forum! (with appropriate links :P)
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Donna on February 15, 2014, 11:48:14 PM
Hmnnnn.....I don't really know what I think!  I certainly don't love it, I know that for sure!  It's kind of a naive not considered look....spontaneous but without the control that we strive for.  But I don't hate it either.  Its just that it breaks so many rules! 

What does it say to me?  That "the new healthy" is simple, easily achieved, not pretentious...and maybe even breaks some of the usual dietary rules.....

Is that what the art directors were thinking? LOL! Who knows?
Title: Re: bon appetit cover lettering
Post by: Erica McPhee on February 16, 2014, 10:54:06 PM
Donna,
I like your positive take on it! It's used throughout the magazine for headlines, too. I noticed this month, the lettering is the opposite - overly done and much more meticulous. So I suppose they are just having fun using different styles. I really didn't care for the one last month. To me it was just really bad writing.  :-\