Recently I started to collecting vintage Avant Garde Magazines, mainly the ones with the pretty covers full of Avant Garde goodness. Herb Lubalin did a wonder job with this magazine. His interior layout designs are simple, clean and beautiful to look at and the typeface is one of my favorites. It’s amazing how the typeface has gone on to be such a big part of the modern design culture. I see the damn thing everywhere, even in cheesy catalogs and signage, and it’s butcher most of the time. But when used correctly it can be a wonderful thing.
Anyway, my collection is small, it only consists of issues 8, 11 and 13. Issue 8 is unique since it was released with 3 different covers. One white, one tan and one in a thick brown paper stock. Looks great in person.
Check out my Flickr page for more photos.
I also recommend getting copies of Eros. The content and layout of Eros and Avant Garde are incredible and truly have stood the test of time.
In regards to Avant Garde, check out this article by Steven Heller for more insight on this font’s history.
Duane, great article. Thanks.
http://www.iwasateenage.com/design.php?design_id=4
I own it! and:
http://www.graphic-design.com/Type/Avant/Avant2.html
History/commentary by my prof/mentor Alex White you may enjoy
Leah, I have that t-shirt as well. Love it. That article was interesting but it must be old cause there is now a font that includes the ligatures. I have to disagree with Benguiat, I think when used correctly the face is wonderful.
Agreed Antonio!
Avant Garde is my No.1 FONT
Are you still collecting Avant Garde magazines? I am downsizing and have many i would like to sell, especially from 1968 in excellent shape. Someone in the family worked for the publisher…
Suzanne