Born in 1910 in Marseille and died in 1983, Roger Excoffon first studied law before turning to painting and then graphic design. He became art director of the Fonderie Olive in Marseille, and later founded his own advertising agency, U&O.
Vision
Excoffon wanted a lively, expressive and spontaneous typography that keeps the trace of the hand's gesture. He embodied a free and instinctive French approach, in contrast to the Swiss rigor of the same period.
Works
His work includes Banco, Mistral, Choc, Diane and Antique Olive. He also designed many posters and identities, including work for Air France.
Legacy
His typefaces, especially Mistral, left a lasting mark on French shop signs and windows. He is now being rediscovered by a new generation of designers who see him as a major figure of French graphic design.