QuoteProject
If typography is calling attention to itself, it's taking that attention away from what the words are saying.
Michael Bierut
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Typography should enhance the message of the words rather than distract from it.

In this quote, Michael Bierut emphasizes the importance of typography in communication. He argues that when typography draws too much attention to itself, it overshadows the actual content and meaning of the words, suggesting that good design should serve to support and amplify the message rather than detract from it.

Themes

TypographyDesignCommunicationWordsAttention

In practice

Example use cases

In a graphic design workshop, to explain the importance of layout, I might say, 'Remember, if typography is calling attention to itself, it's taking that attention away from what the words are saying.'

More from Michael Bierut

If you do good work for good clients, it will lead to other good work for other good clients. If you do bad work for bad clients, it will lead to other bad work for other bad clients.
Michael BierutRead

Similar quotes

I walk into the kitchen, look at the typer down there on the floor. It's a dirty floor. It's a dirty typer that types dirty stories
Charles BukowskiRead
The more I've gotten interested in writing about history and making sense of myself within the continuum of history, the more I've turned to paintings, to art. I look to the imagery of art to help me understand something about my own place in the world.
Natasha TretheweyRead
If the audience, in minute 50, is thinking about the way a movie is shot, there's a problem. I want it to permeate emotionally.
Alejandro Gonzalez InarrituRead
I never try to convey a message, I just want to tell a story. Why that story in particular? I have no idea, but I have learned to surrender to the muse. I become obsessed with a theme or with certain stories; they haunt me for years, and finally, I write them.
Isabel AllendeRead
A number of images put together a certain way become something quite above and beyond what any of them are individually.
Francis Ford CoppolaRead
Think it a vile habit to alter works of good composers, to omit parts of them, or to insert new-fashioned ornaments. This is the greatest insult you can offer to Art.
Robert SchumannRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.