The Custom Typeface of Michelle Obama's 'Becoming': Unveiling the Story Behind the Cover

The cover of Michelle Obama's book Becoming showcases a custom typeface that bears a resemblance to sans-serif fonts such as Helvetica or Avenir. This lettering is characterized by its clean and modern aesthetic, emphasizing simplicity and elegance that aligns with the book's themes of personal growth and empowerment.

Unveiling the Typeface: GT Eesti Display

The custom typeface featured on the cover of Michelle Obama's Becoming is actually a result of the use of the font GT Eesti Display. This font not only graces the cover but also appears on the official website of the book, alongside another font called GT Eesti Text.

Interestingly, while the use of GT Eesti Display is a fascinating choice, its origin offers a unique historical context. GT Eesti is a reinterpretation of a 1940s–60s typeface called Zhurnalnaya Roublennaya, which was created in the Soviet Union during a time when access to the famous Futura font was limited. This background adds an intriguing layer to the story of the typeface used in Becoming.

Decoding the Typeface: A Designer's Perspective

For those curious about the specific design elements of the custom typeface, let's dive into a more detailed description. By all accounts, it aligns with the following characteristics:

Regular width Art Deco/Bauhaus semi-humanist geometric sans-serif High waist Straight-cut terminals Squared-off acute joins Strongly splayed M with a slightly floating crotch G with a mid-length spur

After a thorough search, no exact match has been found. However, the designer mentions Sofia Pro as a near miss, though it lacks the slightly high waist and straight-cut terminals required for a perfect match.

The absence of an exact match led the designer to hypothesize that the designer might have inverted a W to create the M. However, testing this hypothesis with Sofia Pro didn't yield a match as the font is stubbornly mid-waisted. Despite this, the exploration continues, as the quest for the exact font that matches the design on Michelle Obama's Becoming cover remains an intriguing endeavor for many typography enthusiasts.

Tools for Discovering Fonts

For those interested in identifying similar fonts or custom typefaces, there are several tools available online. One such tool is WhatTheFont, which can help identify fonts based on uploaded images. Additionally, Pic2Fonts is another useful resource that allows users to upload images to find the corresponding fonts.

Exploring the backstory and intricacies behind the typeface used in Michelle Obama's Becoming not only deepens our appreciation for the book's design but also highlights the importance of typeface in conveying the essence of a text. Whether it's the clean modernity of Michelle Obama's Becoming or the historical roots of the GT Eesti Display, these elements contribute to a more meaningful reading experience.

In conclusion, the custom typeface used on Michelle Obama's Becoming cover is a blend of design inspiration and historical influence, making it a fascinating subject for typography enthusiasts and book lovers alike. Whether you're a fan of Becoming or a font aficionado, understanding the nuances of this custom font adds depth to your experience of the book and the world of typography.