This is a Brilliant Test Post

2008-09-14T06:42:07-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC.

This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, “Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..”, comes from a line in section 1.10.32.

The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.

Excellent Kinetic Typography

2008-05-27T04:52:28-08:00

Typography is essential to almost all mediums of design from print to web. All designers must study typography, and a great way to study it is to find great typographical inspiration. Most articles containing typography inspiration showcases, however, display mostly static typography. I thought it would be interesting to showcase some excellent examples of kinetic (or kinematic or dynamic) typography, typography in motion.

Despite the fact that graphic designers are most accustomed to static typography, we are exposed to kinetic typography on a daily basis. Think opening titles sequences of a television show or movie or the huge blobs of text in the last commercial you just saw.

Searching “kinetic typography” on YouTube tuns up hundreds of results; not all of which are outstanding. I scoured through them and also have a few of my favorites to share with you.

1. “Lions Roar” - The Hush Sound

A typographical motion graphic piece to one of The Hush Sound’s songs.

2. “I Was Married” - Tegan and Sara

3. “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels”

Dialog from the movie in typography.

4. “Obsession as a Drive”

A really great typographical motion graphic for APS Advertising.

5. Catch Me If You Can (Opening Credits)

Opening credits for the movie Catch Me If You Can. Great graphics and music, too.

6. Thank You For Smoking (Opening Credits)

One of my absolute favorites. Excellent movie too!

If you’re looking for more great movie title sequences (that are not just typographically great) check out 10 Kick Ass Opening Credit Sequences. Don’t forget to scan through the comments for more links to good suggestions.

If you have any favorites or do any searching and find some quality examples, please share!

Blog