TypeCon is an annual event hosted by the Society of Typographic Aficionados that explores the versatility of type through a wide range of media. The theme of the 2018 conference is Dismantle.
Dismantle is a conference derived from the idea of breaking the rules of traditional typographic systems and building them into unconventional forms. The identity system for the conference draws largely from the Swiss Punk movement of typography. During this movement the boundaries of typesetting were largely pushed and pulled in different directions generating a departure from conventional rules. These methods held a unique feel that became synonymous with the era.
Treating each spread as a unique composition, an elaborate system was developed that broke the traditional rules of typography, but spawned a set of its own in the process. Each piece in the system is thoroughly utilized to remain consistent in tone, but adaptable given the content of the page. The use of a baseline grid was neglected to keep the nature of the system’s structure intact.
Akzidenz-Grotesk was chosen as the typeface for Dismantle given its versatility with the large selection of weights that the family possesses. This allowed the developed systems to become increasingly complex, but still consistent in tone. Akzidenz Grotesk was also a prevalent typeface used during the Swiss Punk era.
Each printed element is free from the use of colored inks. This keeps the focus on the typographic forms without relying on color to create differentiations in the system. A yellow paper stock was chosen to reinforce the bold, but consistent decisions made throughout the identity of the conference.
In various places throughout the main program, transparent sheets were utilized to create a sense of dimensionality in the book. The sheets cast shadows upon the underlying yellow paper that further push the typographic forms and call back to the explorative nature of the conference itself. The use of transparent paper carries over into the conference’s name badges as well.
To accompany the main program, a foldable condensed version was created. The pocket guide is easily able to fold down and be stashed away in the pocket of an attendee in order to keep the most important information handy at all times.
