We see hundreds of advertising message each day. Most are at a passing glance, but not too often do you get a chance to stop and smell the roses… really look at the beauty and craftsmanship of the letter form.
I read an article recently that afforded me such an opportunity. Read the Smashing Magazine article, The Beauty Of Typography: Writing Systems And Calligraphy Of The World.
Friends bring me back periodicals when traveling abroad. It is interesting that layout principals transcend language and culture. A sport bike accessories catalog in English and Japanese have a surprisingly consistent look and feel, although the letter forms are different, as is the orientation. However, the appeal for this audience is consistent in regards to color, rhythm and balance of the ads.