DISQUS

@Issue Journal of Business & Design: Designing a Font to Preserve a Vanishing Language

  • svcseattle · 2 months ago
    We consider Juliet Shen to be one of the treasures of the School of Visual Concepts. She teaches typography and design courses here, and as you might imagine, always earns the praise and respect of her students.
  • Lucy O'Brien · 2 months ago
    It is wonderful to see how Juliet Shen has brought her great brilliance and depth to this project.
  • dickpaetzke · 2 months ago
    I think Juliet Shen's creation of the Lushootseed typeface is nothing short of remarkable. She has done a brilliant job of capturing a feeling that shouts out the unique cultural identity of the Tulalip tribe. As a native of Seattle I'm blessed to have both these people and Ms. Shen right in my backyard. My only quibble with the article is in the reference to the US government forcing native Americans to learn European ways. While obviously a piece of monumental stupidity and cruelty, it was an American approach. . I think it is time to stop carping about "European" mores. For good or bad we do have our own culture and we make our own mistakes. If you spend any time in Europe you will quickly realize that they ain't us and we ain't them, thank goodness.
  • Name · 2 months ago
    You're absolutely right, Dick. My apologies. In my clumsy attempt to keep the focus on the type design and not get into a lengthy discussion of stupid government mistakes, I managed to insult Europeans and Native Americans. Then again, I chose to say "European" because policy wasn't aimed at teaching the children to become "Asian American." I think I'm in a no-win pickle here.

    Delphine
  • dickpaetzke · 2 months ago
    Delphine, I don't think that this whole thing rises to the level of requiring an apology. I personally hold the world's record for putting my foot in my mouth. Either that or my wife deliberately mishears and misunderstands things I say that don't mean what she thinks at all. I might as well be speaking another long forgotten and neglected tongue. So I can't magnanimously say, "I forgive you" when there is really nothing to forgive. You were only using a descriptor than I hear practically every day. You didn't invent it. It was just an easy way to explain something, but one that, after I have heard it so often, made me realize wasn't very accurate. Of course if you still want to insist that it was a major insult, I will be happy to challenge you to a duel.

    Maybe we can spit watermelon seeds at each other from ten paces.

    Thanks for your note. I was really nice of you to respond to my comment. Your article was great.

    Dick

    DICK PAETZKE
    The Pacific Northwest's most experienced advertising writer
    206-497-3588


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  • BillMoran · 2 months ago
    Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum is honored to be collaborating with Juliet and the Tulalip Tribe on the Lushootseed font. This project represents a merging of literacy, art, design and technology that help keep this 130 year-old institution relevant. We're excited to unveil it at our Wayzgoose November 20-22 at the museum. In addition to Juliet, we're also thrilled to be hosting Matthew Carter, Rich Kegler, Sumner Stone and a host of other designers, typographers and printers. Learn more at http://woodtype.org/wayzgoose.shtml
  • CrankyPressman · 1 month ago
    What a wonderful project. Everyone involved should be commended for their valuable work for such a good cause.