Futura: The Font That Scared The Dictator

 

On this episode of the "Graphic Designs That Changed History" series, we tell the story of Futura, the revolutionary typeface that stood against a dictator and went on to shape modern visual language. Designed in 1927 by Paul Renner, Futura embodied the Bauhaus movement's spirit, challenging the traditional aesthetics favored by Nazi Germany. From being suppressed by the regime to becoming one of the most widely used typefaces globally, Futura's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and quiet resistance. Discover how this iconic font influenced everything from political posters to film graphics for directors like Stanley Kubrick and Wes Anderson—and even made its mark on the moon.