Ambigrams, Logos, Word Art: The Work of John Langdon

“Words are like rocks. They can be used to build works of cultural significance but also to damage and destroy. They can be arranged into beautiful mosaics. Some words are crystals, naturally possessing an inherent beauty in their sound, their arrangement of letters, or their meanings. Others are like diamonds. Those are rough in immediate appearance, but can, in the hands of a craftsman, be wrought into works of art that sparkle and cast light in unpredictable directions. My mission is to discover and learn from the crystals and to shape the diamonds accordingly.”
“I came and went through the doors of perception so often that they just started leaving them open for me.”
“Someday, everyone in the world will have the same kind of pants.” Serge de Nimes, 1953
“Ambigrams are the hottest trend in typography since Helvetica.” Wired Magazine 4.20.09

02.08.10

The Society of Typographic Aficionados recently sponsored Font Aid IV, a project uniting the typographic and design communities in raising funds to expedite relief efforts in Haiti. As my contribution to this effort, I created this ampersand as a hope for Haiti's future, when the current cloud of troubles has passed and the sun shines again for the Haitian people. More information

01.10.10

I’ll be showing some of my paintings through February and March at the Type Directors Club gallery (347 West 36 Street, Suite 603, New York City). Three will be from my logo manipulation series, the rest will be from my current series: Mixed Symmetries. There will be a reception on Thursday, February 4, from 6 - 8 pm, during which I’ll talk about my work.

TDC members free
Non-members $20
Student Non-members $15

Painted Words Tainted Logos

11.02.09

I'm introducing a new site, dedicated specifically to the aspect of my work now known, many thanks to Dan Brown, as Symbology. Please have a visit to www.ProfessorLangdon.com.
I hope you enjoy it.

10.16.09

On Thursday, October 29, Nolen Strals and Bruce Willen are hosting a launch party for for their new book, Lettering and Type (which will include a number of my ambigrams) at the Maryland Institute College of Art. “Fan Letters”: As part of the festivities, 26 artists and designers will each make a presentation about a letter of the alphabet. I'll be reading my dramatic poem, “A Brief History of the Letter X,” written especially for this occasion. The event is free and open to the public. Should be fun!

09.27.09

I’ll be one of the featured speakers at Will Shortz’ annual Wordplay Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, November 13–15. More information, download the event's program.

09.09.09

Delaware Valley residents: Don't miss this month's issue of ICON magazine!

08.31.09

Typedia is a community-driven website that classifies typefaces. I recently designed its logo and then wrote about the process.

Read the story behind it on Typedia.

Typedia Logotype

08.24.09

Maggie Macnab, Joel Nakamura and John Langdon present a half-day seminar that explores the fascinating relevance of symbolism to effective and engaging visual communications. The seminar takes place at the Santa Fe Complex in Santa Fe, NM, on Saturday, September 19th, 9:00am–12 noon. For more information go to the event's website.