This Week From the Desk

Designed by Chermayeff & Geismar. — Before 1970, the United States was in a radically different place. Our environment, our cities, our people: abused, dirty, and sick after years of neglect. President Nixon decided to change that. In 1970, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was enacted to protect the environment and the American people. — One of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) top priorities was consolidating numerous state offices––research activities, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities––to more efficiently carry out its goal of “working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.” But there was one area in which the EPA—like many government agencies of the time—was terribly inefficient: their graphic design and communications department. Millions of dollars were being wasted annually due to non-standardized formats, inefficient processes, and almost everything being designed from scratch. Enter design firm Chermayeff & Geismar.

The next life for Standards Manuals has manifested, this time presenting the Brand Standards Manual for the EPA, designed by Chermayeff & Geismar back in 1977. The logo design in itself is a thing of beauty, but the system developed to support the department at its formation is inspiring. The Kickstarter is officially open now. This book is a design nerd MUST. 

Ogilvy & Mather partnered with Fontself to create "Gilbert", a font inspired by Gilbert Baker—the creator of the rainbow Pride Flag who sadly passed away this month. See more of this colorfully layered font project on Creative Boom.

One of Colophon Foundry's latest types Montefiore now has a beautiful specimen book to accompany it. I've always been into Colophon's specimen booklets. You can snag a copy on their site here. 

Oh how I wish I could go to this. Gail Bichler will be speaking about the development of the New York Times Magazine from 2015 to present day at the TDC in June. If you're in town, GO. See the details and buy tickets on the TDC site here. 

Raise your hand if you still use tumblr... 🙋🏼‍♂️! I was reminded that Production Type's tumblr exists; and its beautiful, obviously. Enjoy the scroll here. 

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