Mike Parker, influential in popularizing Helvetica font, has died 
American Apparel. Crate and Barrel. American Airlines. Jeep. Although these companies differ in their product offerings, they all share one important similarity: Helvetica.
As consumers, we often do not pay attention to the typefont companies use in their logos. Instead, we rapidly absorb logos’ content and often disregard their form. However, if more attention was given to popular logos, consumers would realize that Helvetica is actually all around. The typeface even appears on tax forms and on New York City subway signs. The font is so popular, in fact, that a 2007 documentary was released in order to explore the font’s history. The font has gained acclaim due to its “clear, legible” nature, says designer Massimo Vignelli. He adds, “It’s good for everything, pretty much.”
Helvetica is in the news today due to the passing on Sunday of Mike Posner, a typographer instramental in popularizing the font. Posner, in the 2007 documentary, praises the “firm” quality of the font. He explains, “It’s all about is the interrelationship of the negative shape, the figure-ground relationship, the shapes between characters and within characters, with the black, if you like, with the inked surface… [Helvetica] is not a letter that’s bent to shape; it’s a letter that lives in a powerful matrix of surrounding space…it’s — oh, it’s brilliant when it’s done well.”
Helvetica was invented in 1957 by Swiss designers Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann. Its creation came as part of a design movement, following World War II, which strove towards social responsibility and openness. As a result, typographers began seeking to create fonts that were rational, intelligent, and legible.
Parker’s influence in Helvetica’s popularity stems from his overseeing the development of the Helvetica font for the linotype machine — a machine commonly used for printing during this time. Working for the Mergenthaler Linotype Company, Parker oversaw the creation of more than 1,000 typefaces.
Parker’s passing comes as a huge loss to the design world, yet the legacy of this revolutionary typographer will continue to live on through his fonts.
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I’m a font-nerd, so this is truly upsetting. I use Helvetica probably more than necessary but it seriously is the best font because it fits everything! Truly a great loss to the design world.