From the 1920s to the 2020s, we choose iconic fonts that reflect each decade and ask the experts why they worked. Whether or not design trends fit neatly into the confines of a decade, we all have an idea of how certain eras looked – and typeface is one element that evokes a certain retro aesthetic. Imagine '70s psychedilia, or 1920s art deco to understand how powerful that can be.
From ancient cave paintings to aeroplane livery, typefaces have been helping us communicate for thousands of years. We won’t be going as far back as 20,000 B.C. as we delve into the history of these vital elements of graphic design, but it’s important to look at how typefaces and fonts have evolved.
