r.i.p (or l.i.p?)

The image is of a tag that was buffed in Concordia metro as you go down the escalators.

It seems to be reading MERA. Its more calligraphy based than it is typeface because it’s executed by hand. However, it could be argued to be closer to graphic design, due to the fact that a tag is like a brand for an individual, meaning, it copying the same text, shapes and sensibilities no matter the environment, as an ad in the metro would. I chose tag as a concept for the blog post because I find it fascinating how it plays in that realm of graphic design and, relating to this blogpost, requires a physical presence that is more engaging than a traditional ad for a product in the metro. An ad already has the nest made, where as a tag needs to fight for its presence. Depending on the texture of the surface (glossy, matte, rugged, smooth, textured, etc.), the location (high or low), and the surrounding, the choice of color and the type of tools (can, markers, wax like pen) are all physical elements that also affects the life and existence of this stamp. Beyond all that, that specific tag in that picture is all the more fascinating to me, due to it being buffed, now there’s another manipulation of the surface and the environment that was done, this new movement impacts the life (or afterlife, depending on your position on tag theology) and informs the reader of a new development in the story.

This is more of a reflection than an influence; the life, death and afterlife of a designed artifact will now be in my mind from a product to printed poster to a pica sized piece of electronics.