Week 1 Lupton "Letter" | Paterson

The typeface that has bombarded me since early childhood represents one of the most successful production companies in the world. The Walt Disney Company’s logo is most well known for the signature typeface used to spell “Walt Disney.” This script type has been transformed to modernize the company as it becomes known for their Imagineering and technical savvy. For example, while Walt Disney started the company as a “mom and pop” organization, the logo was simply Disney’s own signature:

As the company grew larger and larger and developed an image surrounded by wholesome children’s entertainment and a knack for both imagination and reality, the original signature lines gained a heavier weight and became smoother:These changes created a sense of modernity as well as a cartoon-like style that would attract people of all audiences.The design of the Disney typeface is extremely appropriate for the audiences they are trying to reach. This signature attracts both children and adults because it gives a welcoming sense that the original founder’s vision still influences the company, but it is still keeping up with, and is maybe even ahead of the times.

I think that although I already have background knowledge about the Disney company (but then again, it’s everywhere), the typeface most definitely provides the consumer with a general idea about what the company’s reputation is and what they are hoping to accomplish with their films. The fact that the type is unique to the company (who else could use a Walt Disney original signature?), represents their creative ability and innovative character. I think Ellen Lupton would agree that the Disney typeface does the job for which it was intended.

-Amy