When I joined the Daily Bruin as a member of the senior staff, I
felt a little like the font Helvetica. Somehow I had
slipped into a staff that knew journalism very well, just as
Helvetica manages to slip its way into the newspaper every now and
then.
And there I was. New, inexperienced, shy and expected to run an
entire section everyday, solve every problem, and somehow remain a
student, for an entire year.
Yikes.
People laugh when I open up the paper and immediately spot
Helvetica, a non-Daily Bruin style font. After a year of
staring at page after page of copy, I’ve developed an eye for
minute details, whether it is a one point line instead of a
hairline, or uneven column text.
Or a font intruder.
I’ve tried desperately to develop ways to avoid the
occasional slip of Helvetica into the paper. But no matter how hard
I try, it is still occasionally there.
Despite The Bruin’s inclusive, sometimes elitist
appearance, there is room for intruders. They manage to make their
way onto staff, without knowing anyone or what they’re doing,
but with plenty of ideas and a willingness to make new friends.
Like me.
And I improved this year. Without listing everything I’ve
learned, every way I’ve changed, and all the new friends I’ve
made, let’s just say I am no longer Helvetica.
I am Bureau Grotesque (preferably three five to five one).
Conquering unknown territories ““ from editorial board,
budgets, scheduling, A&E magazines and style guides, to USAC
elections, an anti-war campus walk-out and constant coach firings
(during finals), I have switched font families.
Next year, I will probably come back to The Bruin in some font
or another. I love journalism too much to try and stay away (and I
don’t want this to be my only byline after swearing all year
I would actually write a story).
When I join a new section, I’ll be back in Helvetica mode,
learning all over again. Perhaps I will write (they use fonts,
right?), or take some photos.
And, as ugly as Helvetica is, Helvetica Bold Oblique did manage
to sweep the Fontys, according to the Onion. Apparently, success
can come from an outsider.
Wagner was the 2002-2003 design director and a member of the
editorial board. She sends her never-ending thanks to Chris
and Graciela.