HISTORY OF THE SUBWAY TILES

Long before Helvetica became the defacto typeface of the New York City subway system, riders were guided by a mixture of elaborate tile mosaics, enamel, and hand painted signage. Squire J. Vickers, the subway’s lead architect from 1908 to 1942, was responsible for designing the stations of the city owned IND system. Along with the privately owned IRT and BMT, the three eventually merged to become today’s New York City Subway.


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ABOUT THE NYC SUBWAY PROJECT

Brandon Sugiyama is an Emmy award-winning, California born, and Brooklyn-based art director and motion graphic designer. Shortly after moving to New York in 2011, he fell in love with the subway tile lettering of his local C line.

The NYC Subway Typeface began as a personal project to bring to life a historic piece of New York city daily life. These fonts and designs are an opportunity to share his love of New York with the community and all who visit the greatest city in the world.