The Typography of Panama City
Posted By Todd
Design is pretty advanced in the US. It’s hard to imagine that fifty years ago, brush scripts and cheesy Norman Rockwell-esque illustrations were the rage. Typefaces looped and swooped in an effort to make you feel warm fuzzies about the products they pushed.
But think of the fonts we see today in the logos of the largest companies in the US: Wal-Mart, Exxon Mobil, General Motors, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. They’re all the same style — clean, professional, and, well… cold.
I never expected a typographic time machine when we hopped on a Diablo Rojo to check out the main bus terminal here in Panama City, but that’s exactly what we got.
Cruising through Calidonia, we couldn’t help but marvel at the hand-painted scripts and western-style faces that decorated shop after shop. Brightly-colored kiosks lined the streets advertising phone and shoe repair in fonts you might expect from a House/Poppl (type designers) lovechild.
So today I wandered down Via Central and up Avenida Peru to capture some of the things we saw.
One quick mention before the photos… yet another example of how awesome the people of Panama are. North of Via Central isn’t a great neighborhood, and when something caught my eye and I ventured that way, I had six people warn me to turn around before I’d gone one block.
Not just bystanders, but people who lived there! I’ve never had so many strangers concerned for my well-being before.
Anyway, hope there are others out there who appreciate typography porn. 
Let’s start with our favorite…
Click to see the larger size.
Have you found some interesting type or design away from home? I’d love to hear about it.
Stay tuned for the typography of Japan in March!
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8 Comments, Comment or Ping
DJDoug
Cool pics! A lot of the typography in Russia is similar (but in Cyrillic, of course)
Jan 28th, 2008
Troy
Funny you should mention the warnings about bad neighborhoods. I got the same treatment when I was there. I was walking around Casca Viejo on the first day and got an idea that I wanted to see the ocean so I started walking South. When I thought I should be about 3 blocks from the shore an old lady insisted (in spanish) that I could stay on the side of the street I was currently on, but the other side and the neighborhood past it was bad. Not wanting to put the ladyfriend I was with in any harm, we graciously thanked her and went back to the shops in the city.
Your blog keeps reminding me how awesome it was there. I’m so jealous. Keep up the good work!
Jan 28th, 2008
Eric
Wow Todd! These are excellent photographs. I am envious of the digital range-finder. You are succinct about mainstream typography in the United States: it is supremely UNcreative and as you mentioned, “cold”. The typography of Panama is definitely an artistic expression, something you do not see often. Again, I am very impressed with the photos. I like the ‘G’ and the one that reads ‘MEMO’ in big bright red letters. Thank you
Jan 28th, 2008
Anna
Hey guys, I’ll be in Tokyo from March 11-16.
Hopefully I’ll get to start my blog as well by then.
Where are you guys staying?
Last time I was there I stayed at the Sakura hotel in Jimbocho.
Highly recommended!
Would love to meet you guys for drinks or something!
Anna
Jan 28th, 2008
elai
You guys should blog about how you keep everything paperless next.
Jan 28th, 2008
Donovan
Please do more of these “less obvious” posts! I love learning about these cultural quirks.
Jan 29th, 2008
admin
Hey Anna… I have no idea where we’re staying. I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t figure out until after we arrived. We’ll get in touch with you when we get there, though…
Tynan
Jan 29th, 2008
David & Elaine Jureczki
Todd,
Back in my day, when someone took off to delay getting a real job we call it unemployment. Now it’s call “Travel Blogging”. Whood a thunk it!!! Just kidding, you know, I think that your next few months will be quite the educational adventure.
I will soon hop on the mo-ped (Eric’s ride) and head south to join you. Elaine say’s this is a bad idea and she refuses to join me or support the effort in any way.
But right now we are in Dallas visiting young Bryan. Headed for Alabama for a couple of days to watch the superbowl with a neice who lives there.
Elaine says to tell you hello. We are both excited for your 18 month adventure and will check into the site from time to time to see what is going on. You are always welcome for a few days at the Jureczki home if you are in the area..
David & Elaine Jureczki (known as Bryan’s parents)
Feb 2nd, 2008
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