Nicholas Waguespack Wander Type: Vieux Carré is part of a research project that investigates understudied and underrepresented typography found in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is part of the Wander Type Project whose birth was first presented by my peers at ATypI in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic. I will present the culmination of my research project in this session.
Each specimen I analyze through my Louisiana lens features contrasting and parallel aspects of the type to the vibrant culture in the southern US state. Accompanying the specimens, I will show Cajun French words and definitions of Louisiana vernacular. A highlight of this research for me was the inclusion of my watercolor paintings which I incorporated into the narratives and analyses which not only presented the opportunity to practice the art form, but also helped me to express my love for Louisiana through visual art.
I was born and raised in Louisiana, and I have realized that it is a special and unique place worth celebrating. In this presentation, I will highlight the beauty of one of Louisiana’s most extraordinary places, the French Quarter, through type. Located in New Orleans, off the Mississippi River, it is commonly called the “Vieux Carré,” meaning “Old Square” in French. It is filled with rich history, culture, food, art, music, and happiness. The type specimens in my research reflect this bounty. During two short trips in 2021, I found and photographed the specimens and truly found myself getting lost in the city and the handcrafted typography.