Erik Spiekermann

Erik Spiekermann is a famous typographer/graphic designer responsible for creating many original typefaces including meta. Spiekermann in the interview talks about how constraints such as the constraints that are created by the digital age are nothing new to the world of design. Fitting a lot of crucial information onto say an iphone screen, is comparable to fitting information on a pill bottle. Constraints such as these have been around for a long time and are rather necessary for design. Spiekermann goes on to talk about himself as a designer. It is obvious that he carries much experience, and has designed many typefaces, posters, print publications. When asked about his typefaces, Erik informs the interviewee that he gets bored only using the typefaces he creates. As for other people using his typefaces Spiekermann says as with anything sometimes people surprise me with the aesthetics achieved, other times they fail miserably. The part of this interview that I related to the most was the end when Spiekermann talked about our western culture and how it thrives upon excess and over stimulation. He says the number of typefaces now available to people can be very overwhelming, however, much of the time the vast amount of typefaces can create new design possibilities. This interview taught me that contraints should be embraced as well as the changing world. Both create new design opportunities.