One Tuesday every month, I’m going to round up a couple (maybe a few) awesome display typefaces to showcase and give a little breakdown on each one. If you have a suggestion you want me to take a look at, drop me a line. Let’s jump straight into some headline goodness.
Primus Script
Foundry : Katharina Putick
Designer(s) : Katharina Putick
Cost: FREE
First up this month is a neat idea called Primus Script by Katharina Putick. It’s a pixel script font and that just makes it unique. It has a very needlepoint, sewing feel because of this construction, but that doesn’t mean it’s for your grandma. It’s all digital business. I would definitely call it cute and feminine — think teen girl online journal, digital stationery, or a cupcake bakery. Get your copy of Primus Script on Dafont.com.
Che’s Bone
Foundry : Filiz Sahin
Designer(s) : Filiz Sahin
Cost: FREE
Che’s Bone (or Mr. Che) isn’t even a font. When downloaded, there is just an .EPS file of these capital letters. That’s not a knock against it. I included Che’s Bone because the letters are unique and have great personality. They work in a display usage as a drop capital, name, monogram, or even the type for a logo. Again, I’ll use the word cute. Filiz has a few more great typographic experiments on her Behance profile you should check out when you go to download Che’s Bone.
Savant
Foundry : Characters Font Foundry
Designer(s) : Rene Verkaart
Cost: FREE in 2012
Next up is Savant — a playful sans-serif with touches of personality. A dark weight gives it presence and its quirks give attitude. Just look at the lowercase ‘g’ or ‘k’ and the uppercase ‘E’ or ‘R’ for examples. Want even more curve and movement, combine Savant Italic for more personality. And while it is full of personality, it doesn’t sacrifice simplicity and legibility so it makes sense as a headline typeface. Savant is free through the end of 2012 so hurry up and grab your copy.
Citizen Slab
Foundry : Joel Felix
Designer(s) : Joel Felix
Cost: FREE for personal use
Last on this month’s list is a vintage slab serif that is quite the character. Citizen Slab is a modern update with its exaggerated features and curves. It speaks to an 1800s aesthetic, but does it in a new way — especially with some of the alternate glyphs. It would make a great look for packaging, posters, and possibly even an identity. Get your copy of Citizen Slab and get to making some headlines!
Final Mentions
- A great list of typefaces over on The Next Web.
- A review of the new Microsoft logo with a focus on the typography.
- Accurate commentary on responsive web design.
- Similar to Citizen Slab but with a full range of weights and shadow versions, Wide Display is another slab serif worth checking out.
