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Arts

The TTC font gets the poster treatment

Posted by Derek Flack / December 16, 2010

TTC Font posterFor fans of the TTC's 1950s subway font -- yes, there are some out there -- these posters will likely warm the heart. I discovered them the other day while doing research for another post, and I have to say that I quite like their subtle commemoration of the subway system's original aesthetic.

The work of Jonathan Guy, a Toronto-based graphic designer, the posters come in three varieties: two document north and southbound stops on the YUS line and third offers a glimpse at the 42 stations still using the original "Toronto Subway" typeface. Although I do enjoy the simplicity of the black and white versions, I have to say that I'm partial to the colour collection. It's tough to explain, but for some reason that font just gives me instant nostalgia.

TTC Font posterAlthough not really cartographic in nature, I'd group these with Dave Murray's Toronto Word Maps and the Ork Posters : they're a pretty slick little celebration of our fair city. Alas, if only they were a bit cheaper. $45 is a pretty penny for a poster. On the other hand, I think buying direct from an artist often warrants digging deeper into one's pockets -- but I'm a bit of a disaster with money, so take that for what you will.

Check out larger versions below.

TTC Font PosterTTC Font posterTTC Font PostersFor purchase information, check out Jonathan Guy's website.

Update (December 17, 2010):

At the request of the artist, I've replaced the Northbound posters originally displayed here with the version that includes Wellesley Station, which I assume is what people would want to purchase in the first place.

Discussion

43 Comments

Neville / December 16, 2010 at 05:41 pm
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What happened to Wellesley?
alan / December 16, 2010 at 05:56 pm
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it's there on the right side of bay and below jane...
Jessica / December 16, 2010 at 06:03 pm
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It's missing on the Northbound poster.
Jessica / December 16, 2010 at 06:09 pm
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OOOooh are these the originals? I just thought we were missing a few posters heh.
Doug / December 16, 2010 at 06:11 pm
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Very nice. I have a spot for all three if only they were 1/2 or 2/3 of the size (24"x36").
?? / December 16, 2010 at 06:34 pm
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Rob Ford is not the only one who doesn't know all the stations.
daniel / December 16, 2010 at 06:44 pm
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No Sheppard Line? How will people know Bessarion?
Gube / December 16, 2010 at 06:57 pm
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Mr. Guy also botched the northbound/southbound signs - the original Yonge line stations didn't use the bold version of the typeface that was used on later expansions and renovations. Eglinton's the perfect example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstopping/220627418/
JG / December 16, 2010 at 07:13 pm
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Hey all... thanks for the comments/critique and thanks to blogTO for the plug.

The Northbound/Southbound posters were created for someone as a personal request, so they were designed to follow their needs. I was asked to exclude Wellesley.

However I can add it to the Northbound poster or make any other custom changes you have. Just let me know.

Thanks!
Stra / December 16, 2010 at 07:15 pm
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does Blogto only have one writer? Just curious, because it's all world according Derek, Derek, and Derek.
JG replying to a comment from daniel / December 16, 2010 at 07:46 pm
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Hi Daniel... I took shots of the stations on the Sheppard line (Bay View to Don Mills) but opted to leave them out as they did not feature any tile work. I will consider updating the poster with them! Thanks for your input!
NEILIO / December 16, 2010 at 07:47 pm
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oooooh it reminds me of the social network poster
nn / December 16, 2010 at 08:14 pm
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is it really $20 shipping for a $45 poster?
b replying to a comment from JG / December 16, 2010 at 09:30 pm
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"I was asked to exclude Wellesley."

I don't want to sound negative, but sounds like a pretty homophobic request to me... I mean, what other reason could there be?
JG replying to a comment from b / December 16, 2010 at 09:36 pm
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Well, that sounds pretty negative...

Whatever the reason I've just added it back in. Like I said I was privately commissioned for those two posters so was just following client direction.

:)
Gabe / December 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm
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Holy ass balls. Did you post the word font. Designers get on this ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gabe / December 16, 2010 at 10:07 pm
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Holy ass balls. Did you post the word font. Designers get on this ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill / December 16, 2010 at 11:00 pm
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There's no Dupont on the poster. I know the font is different, but it's my favorite station. Sigh.
vinaks / December 17, 2010 at 12:20 am
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Awesome work!
RJ replying to a comment from Gabe / December 17, 2010 at 08:41 am
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Gabe - you're a douche...
David / December 17, 2010 at 09:46 am
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I want that "Northbound" black-and-white one on a T-shirt!
BM / December 17, 2010 at 10:39 am
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Great posters. Unfortunately, it is a bit suspicious that Wellesley is missing. Hope the client reads these posts and comes away feeling a somewhat ashamed.
And perhaps even the artist, for accepting the job in the first place. It’s pretty obvious why Wellesley is intentionally missing. Sad.
Derek / December 17, 2010 at 10:55 am
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Why is it "pretty obvious" that Wellesley is missing? It strikes me that people are jumping to conclusions without a speck of evidence here.
BM / December 17, 2010 at 11:03 am
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Right Derek. Clearly the client removed it beacuse they didn't like that it's the only subway station with one street entrance. Silly me.
JG / December 17, 2010 at 11:16 am
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When the client gave me the list of stations she would like she didn't put them in order... So, I decided to put them in order.. I designed it sent her a proof... said that Wellesley is missing and I could add it... she said it was fine. That's all. I hope this helps to clarify any issues. I'd like Derek to update the article with the revised poster.

This will be the last comment I make on this particular subject.

Thank you.
BK / December 17, 2010 at 11:35 am
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Maybe Wellesley was too long of a word compared to the other station names, and visually, it looked better without it.

And possibly, JG and BM it's homophobic for you to assume that all gays only live at Wellesley - says the gay sitting beside me.

Maybe.
MG replying to a comment from alan / December 17, 2010 at 11:35 am
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you mean the left side.
BM / December 17, 2010 at 12:08 pm
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LOL. “says the gay sitting beside me”. Clearly I am the homophobe BK.
The Liquor / December 17, 2010 at 02:18 pm
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that people are screaming homophobic becuase of a lack of a Wellesley station would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.

You sound like Mike Layton, always on the hunt for social injustice, especially with regards to subway posters.
Adil Dhalla / December 17, 2010 at 04:38 pm
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What a discouraging track of comments and observations. I wish more people could just appreciate this for what it is - a local artist's contribution towards a needed collection of city influenced art.

Jon, great work. We're dealing with limited wall space ourselves for our office but I'll be in touch to grab one for another idea I had.

Cheers.


Mook replying to a comment from Derek / December 18, 2010 at 09:38 am
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Could be a Napoleon fan who's just pissed at the Duke of Wellington I suppose.
PL / December 21, 2010 at 06:45 pm
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These are gorgeous! If I had money, I'd be buying them up. I will definitely be bookmarking the artist's website.
JG / December 22, 2010 at 12:54 am
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Just finished off two more TTC posters: Westbound and the University-Spadina line.
M.G. / December 26, 2010 at 12:48 am
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Is there an "Eastbound" in the works?
Margot / January 18, 2011 at 01:37 pm
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It's a wonderful font, I hope no one decides to "modernize" the TTC's "branding" (it would be a waste and and a waste of money.)

Same goes for their logo.
AW replying to a comment from JG / November 24, 2011 at 11:30 pm
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I think they're wonderful and that you should be proud of yourself for getting some recognition. I'll be happily waiting for a westbound poster :)
Kyle / November 25, 2011 at 09:50 am
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Nice job JG! These posters are awesome! Keep doing your thing.
S replying to a comment from daniel / November 26, 2011 at 11:22 am
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HA HA HA!!!
Gabe replying to a comment from RJ / November 26, 2011 at 11:42 am
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RJ - your a suppository
Shawn / November 26, 2011 at 11:48 am
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Pretty cool posters. Its a confusing love hate relationship people have with the TTC. We hate the TTC. The posters are beautiful. I have no money for a .10 fare hike but I have $45 for a ttc poster.
Jamie / November 26, 2011 at 12:14 pm
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I just went to this "art directors" site, why can't I click on this clowns shop, linkedin, twitter buttons, they're not active bad move. usability 101. Stick to print.
SM / December 9, 2011 at 06:52 pm
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Any way you could do SRT? : D Nobody remembers Scarborough, it would be so cool if you could!
JG / March 31, 2013 at 08:01 pm
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New website for the posters: http://www.zazzle.ca/JonathanGuy

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