project details
Objective
Type specimen study
Requirement
Artistically represent Optima
project overview
German typeface designer Hermann Zapf designed Optima in the early 1950s with the intention of creating a classic Roman style type without serifs. The typeface was released in 1958 and became an instant success.
Research & history
In researching the typeface Optima, I found that it was instantly popular upon release and remains so to this day.
Optima is relied upon today due to its readability in both formal and informal situations.
The typeface was designed by Hermann Zapf, who was inspired to create it while in a medieval church in Florence, Italy. It was sketched on a 1000 lire banknote because Zapf had no paper with him.
design, layout, & process book
Design Choices
- Graphics
- Typography
The initial designs for all materials were made with a focus on meeting the company vision while also being sure to remain consistent with the established color palette.
