Helveticka

The world recently lost the queen of dots. So this International Dot Day, the helveticka blog celebrates Yayoi Kusama's brilliant art and the way deep, dark emotions can become something beautiful: https://helveticka.com/blog/international-dot-day-yayoi-kusama/

A Typeface With a Purpose
Helveticahaus, 2015

LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD: In 2015, helveticka formed Helveticahaus to support design students from Spokane Falls Community College. Each year we select one (sometimes more) first-year student to receive a little help with second-year tuition. So far, 21 students have been awarded scholarships totaling $14,500.

To back a local design cause, visit helveticahaus.com and shop Helvetica-themed apparel, coffee and mugs, notecards, coasters, and more. The world's most famous typeface doesn't just look good, it promotes good, too.

More Than Books
Spokane Public Library
Central Library, 2022

LOOKING BACK: Central Library is one of seven branches either renovated or built for the Spokane Public Library system after a voter-approved bond passed in 2018. Constructed in 1994, the three-story flagship underwent a remarkable transformation, as designed by INTEGRUS in association with Group 4 Architecture. In addition to its updated look and feel, Central added new services and resources such as business labs, multimedia studios, event and gathering spaces, and a cafe. helveticka provided signage and wayfinding for this busy location in the downtown core, as well as for all other branches.

Rock Solid Design
Revett Minerals, 2012

LOOKING BACK: Revett Minerals operated the Troy Mine, a silver and copper operation near Troy, Montana. Released in early 2012, its 2011 annual report was the last of seven books we produced for the company, starting with its initial public offering in 2005. After suffering various hardships, Revett sold in 2015 to Hecla Mining Company. It softened the loss just a little that Hecla was – and is – our client too.

The Nicest Pirates You’ll Ever Meet
Whitworth University, 2005

LOOKING BACK: Home to the NCAA Division III Whitworth Pirates, the university’s athletic department was looking to refresh its mascot. The Spokane-based school offers 21 varsity sports, and the fight song includes this sentiment: “Be not content with less, Whitworth deserves the best.”

We felt the same way, so we went to work researching pirate-themed logos for collegiate, semi-professional, and professional teams. After exploring several concepts, we settled on a pirate flag with a customized typeface. And one of our rejected pirate renditions later became part of a label we made for the school’s custom coffee blend.

Philanthropy With a Capital ‘P’
Gonzaga University
The Myrtle Woldson Collection, 2019

LOOKING BACK: The Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center on the campus of Gonzaga University began with a $55 million gift from one of Spokane’s most ardent patrons of the arts. An area within the center’s second story features replicas of Miss Woldson’s living, dining, and sitting rooms, complete with furniture, art, and decor from her Spokane home. An adjacent 600-square-foot exhibition (shown) tells the story of the enigmatic philanthropist. It features 130 artifacts and two touchscreens sharing oral histories, archival imagery, and descriptions of the donated collection.

Design for a Higher Calling
The Abbey Foundation of Oregon
Annual Reports, 2005 and 2006

LOOKING BACK: Forty miles south of Portland, Mount Angel Abbey is perched atop a lone butte overlooking the Willamette Valley and the town of Mt. Angel, Oregon. The 144-year-old Benedictine monastery and seminary is home to an active community of monks, and they open their world to visitors through a guesthouse, a library designed by world-renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and the new Benedictine Brewery taproom (monks make excellent beer). The Abbey’s financial vitality is supported by its foundation, which seeks funding for special projects and long-term endowments. Annual reports are a tool for fundraising, and these editions provided a performance overview while recognizing donors.

Amen, Sisters!
Providence Inland Northwest Foundation, 2011

LOOKING BACK: To celebrate the Sisters of Providence, who founded Sacred Heart Medical Center in 1886, we designed a display featuring the names of every sister – more than 400 – who served since the center's founding. A simple, humble display that reflects the modest character and unwavering compassion of the Sisters. In our company's news release, creative director CK Anderson wrote: "For us, few projects are as meaningful as those that tell a unique story about people with a gift for compassion."

Portrait of an Artist, as an Old Man
PROOF!, 2011

LOOKING BACK: This might be our favorite experience art-directing a portrait. Ever. Artist Gary Kaemmer was a commercial illustrator in Denver before retiring to East Hope, Idaho. In retirement, he worked on his Famous Artist Portraits series – a collection of over 250 portraits rendered in the iconic painting style of each artist. His illustration background shaped his talent for mimicry, from Basquiat to Rembrandt.

The portrait of Gary captures his personality. He was a bit of a recluse, so he’s standing in the background. Unassuming, enjoying his daily morning coffee (he switched to wine in the afternoon). The carefully placed paintings suggest the variety and scope of Gary’s art. No post work here. Just good old-fashioned collaboration and craft brought to you by photographer J. Craig Sweat.

© J. Craig Sweat Photography

38, 37, 36…
Hecla Mining Company
Annual Company Overview, 2025

LOOKING BACK: Our first annual report for Hecla Mining Company was the 1988 edition. At that time, many graphic designers saw company reports as the top of the print food chain, characterized by healthy budgets, theme-driven content with original imagery, and large runs often produced by out-of-town printers. In fact, some firms specialized exclusively in annual reports. While Hecla’s report has changed over the years (including its name), we are grateful to have produced our 38th consecutive book for our friends in Coeur d’Alene.