How to make your text look futuristic (2016) (typesetinthefuture.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how to make text look futuristic by applying six simple rules, such as adding an italic slant, making letters curvy and angular, and adding a noise texture. These rules are often used in science fiction movies to create a futuristic look. The article provides examples of how these rules have been applied in various movies, including Blade Runner, Star Wars, and Guardians of the Galaxy. The author also mentions their book, which expands on the history and inspiration of modern sci-fi typeset.

Main themes

• Futuristic typography
• Science fiction design
• Font choices in movies
• Typography trends
• Design cliches
• Sci-fi aesthetics

What commenters say

• The use of certain fonts, such as Eurostile, has become a cliche in science fiction movies to represent a futuristic look.
• The article's rules for creating a futuristic look are tongue-in-cheek and humorous, rather than serious design advice.
• The use of typography and design elements can be a shorthand way to convey meaning and create a specific atmosphere in movies and other media.
• Some commenters appreciate the article's lighthearted and humorous approach to discussing design trends, while others find it lacking in depth or substance.
• The concept of 'sterotypography' refers to the use of certain design elements, such as fonts and colors, to represent specific ideas or cultures, and can be seen in the use of futuristic typography in science fiction movies.
• The article's examples of futuristic typography are largely drawn from 80s and 90s science fiction movies, and some commenters feel that the look has become dated or overused.
• The use of design elements, such as fonts and logos, can be a way to create a sense of nostalgia or retro-futurism, rather than a genuinely futuristic look.
• Some commenters disagree about the effectiveness of certain design choices, such as the use of the Papyrus font in the movie Avatar, with some defending it as a deliberate choice and others criticizing it as a mistake.