Signs, signs. Everywhere a sign.

Today we’re going to be talking about a couple of colorful visual alphabets. Not typefaces, but the kinds of alphabets that are their own languages. Created to solve specific problems, one works face-to-face and the other from a distance.

So give the high sign to the bartender and order up a couple of Ocean Breezes. We’re bringing you the histories of American Sign Language and nautical flags back here in the bar.

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Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more!

https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-133-visual-alphabets

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Nautical Flags
• American Sign Language

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Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to [email protected] and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess.

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Todd Coats & Elliot Strunk Co-Hosts of Two Designers Walk Into a Bar

Two Designers Walk Into a Bar is a podcast about iconic design and popular culture.

Hosted by graphic designers and collectors Todd Coats and Elliot Strunk, the podcast is constantly looking at pop culture and thinking about how it influences us and what we do for a living. Starting with a theme, we choose iconic work that we find meaningful and use humor and insight to break it down, turn it inside out and try to understand why it has stood the test of time. Two Designers Walk Into a Bar encourages listeners to dive into their libraries, mini storage units or memories with us.

Our website has each episode plus transcripts, notes and other extras.