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THE TYPE SPECTRUM | DETROIT


We weren't sure what to expect when we went to Detroit, but we were pleasantly surprised. The art deco-inspired skyscrapers and friendly downtown area were refreshing. The people were lively and obviously take pride in their city, I need to go back once it gets a little warmer.

Our Air BnB was located in the Corktown neighborhood, and spent a long night out on the main drag, Michigan Ave. My favorite spots would have to be the pawn shop turned bar, Gold Cash Gold!, and Mercury Burger & Bar where we had the most amazing late-night fried bologna sandwich.

The reason this post is called "Type Spectrum" is because there is no adjective I could use to describe everything I captured while we were exploring. Things were casual, expressive, formal, historic, bold, and whimsical. I think this city is full of juxtaposition, and is impacted by both its past and its promising future.

2515 Riopelle St.

Detroit, MI 48207

We went to the Eastern Market a little later in the day, unfortunately missing all of the street vendors. Luckily, we came across this brewery! It was a great little taproom that wasn't afraid to have loud typography. Their logo is an elephant, although I couldn't find the reason why on their website.

 

1236 Michigan Ave.

Detroit, MI 48226


This place was the BEST. Their use of type and illustration were so much fun, and their food was exactly what I needed. Their brand was very strong, and spread throughout the interior of the restaurant as well as to the murals outside.

 

2648 W Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48208

Sometimes the most impactful places have the most modest location and typography. You don't have to be in LA or NYC to start something amazing -- it can start in your own neighborhood.

 

20900 Oakwood Blvd.

Dearborn, MI 48124

There was a lot in this museum: cars, trains, campers, furniture, steam powered engines, as well as exhibits on Women's Rights, Civil Rights, and the American Revolution. There was a ton of typography here, but these are some of my favorites.



The museum has the bus that Rosa Parks rode on the day she refused to move to the back. It's the centerpiece of the room, and has some interpretive panels surrounding it.


A letter from Benedict Arnold, written during the Revolutionary War. He was a dirty traitor with amazing handwriting skills.


There was a display with all of the car logos displayed. It was interesting to see all of the typefaces used without necessarily knowing what the cars look like.