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The Tale of the Letter "A": From Circular to Double-Storey and the Struggle to Unlearn
The letter “A.” It’s one of the most common characters in the English alphabet, yet it's also one of the most divisive when it comes to typography. The humble “A” can come in two distinct forms: the single-storey α and the double-storey a. If you’ve ever looked closely at fonts like Futura or Helvetica, you’ve seen these two versions in action.
Now, for many of us, our first encounter with writing the letter "A" was in elementary school, where teachers would hammer in the importance of writing in the “correct” way. This usually meant starting with the single-storey α, the kind that’s a neat little circle on top of a simple stem, like the one you see in Futura. This was the model we were taught, the one that was ingrained in our muscle memory, the one that we wrote over and over again in painstaking practice.
But then comes the reality of growing up and discovering typography—and, suddenly, we’re faced with this completely different version of "A" that we never got the memo about. The double-storey a, like the one in Helvetica, comes with a much more sophisticated, well-defined structure that we now recognize as the “classic” form of the letter “A” in many fonts.
The Single-Storey "A": The Schoolyard Standard
Most of us were introduced to the single-storey a (α) as children. In fact, it’s probably the form we’re most familiar with, even to this day. This style is simple, with a rounded, almost "circular" top sitting on a straight stem, and it's easy to form. The single-storey α often feels more approachable to kids learning to write. It’s less complex, and because it’s more “circle-based,” it’s arguably easier to make.
This is the “peasant” version, the one you might consider too basic for your adult, design-conscious self. But for years, it was the one you learned to write in school, and it was the one you wrote without thinking about it. It became second nature.
And, boy, did you write that single-storey α—every “A” in your homework, your notes, your scribbles all followed the same curvy pattern. For those of us who spent countless hours perfecting our handwriting, the circular α became our muscle memory. It’s almost instinctive. Ask yourself: How many times have you penned “A” in your life, only for it to look the exact same every time? You were trained to write this letter in a specific way, and it felt almost like a reflex.
The Double-Storey "A": Helvetica’s Legacy
But then, something happens. You grow up, you become exposed to typography, and suddenly, the letter “A” isn’t just something you’re writing—it’s something you’re analyzing. Enter the double-storey a, made famous by Helvetica (and many other modern typefaces).
The double-storey a looks much more elegant, with its sharp, precise shape that’s often described as more “refined” and “classic.” It’s the kind of “A” that you see in corporate logos, advertisements, and yes—Helvetica. It has that sophisticated loop at the top, which helps to give it that bolder, more mature appearance. When you start looking at typefaces and fonts seriously, you realize the double-storey a is the one that stands out as the more professional form.
But here’s the catch: It’s harder to write.
That smooth, fluid circle of the single-storey a becomes a distant memory, replaced by a structure that requires more precision and control. For someone who spent years writing the circular “A”, switching to the double-storey version is not an easy transition. You have to unlearn the habits that have been ingrained in your muscle memory for decades. But for those who’ve come to appreciate the art of typography, making that switch feels incredibly rewarding.
The Struggle to Unlearn
When I first tried to transition from the single-storey a to the double-storey a, it was like trying to switch handedness. For weeks, I couldn’t get the stroke down. I would write “A” like I always had, and then stop halfway, noticing that it wasn’t quite right. That little loop at the top would turn into a half-assed squiggle. The more I tried, the more I found myself slipping back into the comfort of the circular a, almost as if my pen had a mind of its own.
It was frustrating, like fighting against a part of my brain that had become too set in its ways. But over time, I kept pushing through, determined to make the double-storey “A” my own. Slowly, I got better at it. The movements became smoother, the loop at the top more natural, and eventually, I could write a true Helvetica-inspired A with ease.
Why It Was Worth It
After the struggle and persistence, I can proudly say that my “A” no longer looks like a circular peasant. The transition wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Now, I can look at my handwriting and see the sophistication of the double-storey a, and I can appreciate how much more precise and professional it feels. The circular a may still have its place in casual writing, but when it comes to more refined typography, the double-storey reigns supreme.
I took Helvetica as my written “role model,” not just because it’s a widely loved typeface but because it represents the beauty of clean, sharp design. And now, when I write an “A,” I can take pride in the fact that it matches the aesthetic I admire. The struggle was real, but the payoff was absolutely worth it.
Conclusion: The Letter “A” and the Beauty of Typography
The letter “A” may seem like a simple thing, but its journey from schooldays to typeface study is a reflection of the broader learning process we all go through when we start to appreciate design. From the single-storey a that was taught to us as kids to the sophisticated double-storey a that represents our growth and maturity, the evolution of this letter mirrors our journey from simple learning to refined craftsmanship.
So, if you're like me and you’ve spent weeks or even months training your muscle memory to write the double-storey “A,” just know that it’s more than just a letter. It’s a symbol of growth, progress, and an appreciation for the finer details in life—one letter at a time.
