In spite of all the attention to type and the unprecedented conditions for type designers, the vast majority of new fonts desperately lack originality. … font designers seemingly prefer to exploit successful models from the past rather than strive for new solutions.

Scant decades ago, new typefaces underwent a rigorous review procedure to ensure that they met the publisher’s artistic and technical criteria. Today, self-publishing has eliminated such processes, and there is little critical review, little effort to add something new to the evolution of the profession. Mediocrity abounds as quality control dwindles.

Dozens of blogs (as well as the print media) simply republish press releases without distinguishing between marketing and independent reviews, praising uninspired fonts and institutionalising the average. Many design awards do the same, perpetuating a false idea of what constitutes superior quality. We don’t need new fonts like this.

It is time to think about why we design type, not just how we design it.

Peter Bilak.