By Jondi Gumz
When I open up my Microsoft Word program, the default choice is Calibri. But as of July 13, Microsoft is replacing it with “Aptos.”
Interestingly, this new font was initially named Bierstadt.
The creation of Steve Matteson, this sans serif font was designed to “express simplicity and rationality in a highly readable form.”
Matteson, 58, is a typeface designer who graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988.
The name Bierstadt was named for one of Colorado’s 14,065-foot peaks; or perhaps it was named for German-American painter Albert Bierstadt, who painted sweeping landscapes of the American West.
Bierstadt also is a borough of the city of Wiesbaden in Germany.
Aptos — or Bierstadt — topped Grandview, Skeena, Seaford, and Tenorite, which were in the running.
But Bierstadt can be translated as “beer town,” and some felt it wouldn’t be taken seriously.
So why Aptos?
Apparently Matteson lived in Mountain View during the 1990s and early 2000s, which gave him the opportunity to drive over the hill and decompress.
Aptos was one of his favorite places because he could spend time in the redwoods at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and walk in the sand at Seacliff State Beach, all in one day’s visit.
Personally, I still like the serif Times New Roman.
Let’s hear from Aptosians.
John Hibble of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce: “We think the new Aptos font is wonderful. Aptos will be famous around the world thanks to Microsoft. The designer was lucky to have spent time here and obviously enjoyed it.”
County Supervisor Zach Friend: “It’s remarkable to see the outsized influence a community of our size can have. Just reflecting on the last few months — whether it’s national coverage for our local July 4th parade, international recognition from this new Microsoft font, or a visit from the President of the United States, the reality is our community is special and connects with people in ways that makes them want to tell the world about it.”
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According to Microsoft, the new Aptos font will soon be available for use in other applications.