Monotype in collaboration with KnownUnknown released "Helvetica The NFT," a collection of NFTs created by two dozen artists from around the world. Each design tells a unique story yet is tied together by the world's most well-known typeface. The collaboration demonstrates the role of typography in a digital-first world while creating new forms of expression, commerce and accessibility.

Artists working in mediums such as graphic design, branding, footwear design and photography created original art using Helvetica Now Variable, the most digitally-optimized version of the typeface ever made. Monotype and KnownUnknown partnered with the Avalanche blockchain to enable the collection, based in part on its low environmental impact. With Helvetica as the common thread, creators of all ages, and with varying backgrounds and experiences, came together for this project.

For example, Margaret Calvert, best known for her work in designing many road signs spread throughout the United Kingdom and the eponymous Calvert font, is participating with her very first NFT. Paula Scher, one of the most acclaimed designers in the world and a partner in the New York office of the distinguished consultancy Pentagram, also contributed with three distinct designs. Electron microscopist turned sneaker artist, Vicky Vuong, layered warped Helvetica font onto a physical sneaker, creating a dynamic pattern that translates into three unique designs of varying rarity.

Kunel Gaur, Jasmina Zornic, Julian Montague, Wayne Lawrence, and many others make up the designers for this first collection. NFTs, considered to be the equivalent of a one-of-a-kind trading card, have exploded in popularity, and interest in the technology through which digital art can be created, sold and collected, continues to grow. Harnessed by household name brands and celebrities alike as a digital medium to engage with their audiences, the exploration of NFTs' potential in typography is in its infancy.

Digital type posters, abstract artwork incorporating type, behind-the-scenes drawings, early access to gallery shows or typeface downloads, and more can be shared with fans via NFTs.