Earlier this year, we announced that we are currently in the midst of a typographical revival. No longer do Helvetica or Didot cut it; designers are searching for ways to design with courage, whimsy, and even enchantment. The days of simplistic type are still with, of course, but we're starting to see designers use everything from the proverbial kitchen sink, from psychedelic type to fonts that are more abstract than anything else. It could be an inevitable about-face from the great "blanding" that's plagued the design world in recent years, but we've seen everything from the embrace of variable fonts and retro-tinged goodness to calligraphy-inspired type.
This surge of exploratory type is pushing the limits of what's possible; it's forcing creators to think more profoundly about the work they're creating, and, most importantly, it's continuously urging us to think about what comes next. And will we even be able to read it without squinting extra-hard?
Today we've wrapped up ten of the best typefaces of the year so far. They've been selected for their originality, creativeness, and design potential.
Jaune's Weight Fluctuation Is A Much Discussed Talking Point
The extreme variation of weights designed for Jaune is eclectic, at best. However, utilizing several weight styles for this font adds a unique twist to the design.
Designer Jérémy Landes first created Jaune as an ultra display fat face but then moved in a different direction, explaining the wide assortment of weight styles. The potential to design a dynamic branding system with just this one font is endless, indeed.
Acmé Paris' font Madrid pulls inspiration from vintage posters from the Spanish Civil War. Because they were designed by hand, it only made sense that Acmé Paris implemented the flaws within their typeface. This perfectly imperfect quirky font is ideal for posters, graphics, and even logos, but only those who aren't afraid let their personality and charm shine through.
You'll Get The Munchies With Noah Camp's 90s Nibbles Typography
Hello 90s kids, meet Noah Camp's typographic exploration known as 90s Nibbles. Camp based every letter in the alphabet on your most nostalgic childhood food that begins with the same letter. Think Z for Zebra Cakes and F for Fun Dip. This typeface features drool-worthy textures, vivid colors, and intricate patterns that come alive in a sentimental, eclectic, and hunger-inducing way.
Tusker Grotesk Is A Typeface That Supports Endless Potential For Dynamic Designs
Often, designers stick to typefaces that maximize legibility and minimalism, such as Impact and Helvetica. Inspired by these overused yet straightforward fonts, Tusker Grotesk is similar yet bolder and more dynamic. Featuring a range of weights within the typeface, the potential for practical and fun designs is endless. This font is ideal for lively poster designs or snappy headlines.
Catch The Typographical Wave With Wavy Typeface
Tim Easley, the London-based illustrator, designer, and photographer known for his colorful palette and bold lines, designed Wavy Typeface based on the illustrations he found inside his sketchbook. The complete set of letters are funky, fresh, and daring in a way that most typeface designers shy away from. When these letterforms get paired with bright colors and exciting patterns, the final designs make a striking statement.
Meta Mascot Explores And Interprets The Irony Of Cuteness
Graphic designers Jaejin Ee and Sangah Shin are questioning what it means to be cute. These artists are pushing past the literal definition of it being "attractive in a pretty or endearing way."
Instead, they wonder if it's a word that's more descriptive of charm or powerlessness. Meta Mascot is a typeface that puts this challenge to the visual test. By definition, it is cute, but that's also the irony of it. How can something be cute while questioning that same adjective? This typeface goes beyond what a font's typical intentions are and p
resents an examination of our culture.
Snare is a font with character, playfulness, and a jazzy attitude. Developed by Alexander Wright and In-House International and developed by Rodrigo Fuenzalida at FragType, it has a stencil-like composition. Snare would be ideal for graphic prints, headlines, or even printed on clothes. If you've ever had the joy of visiting New Orleans, then you know that this typeface does The Big Easy justice.
Articulate Sans Is A Legible Typeface For Everyone
Articulate Sans is a typeface designed by Milk, supporting the optimization of font legibility in any size, weight, or format without jeopardizing character. As a result, these texts can more easily be understood and appreciated by everyone and anyone. To create more distinct characters, Milk paid careful attention to the detail in every single facet of the typeface. In addition, emphasization of forms helps to define and better individualize each character.
Cloud Type Explores The Rhythm, Flow, and Space Of Fonts
Designer Rejane Dal Bello of Studio Rejane Dal Bello created a typeface that took the literal sense of the fourth edition of UPO (Unidentified Paper Object) titled Reading The Sky and turned it into an enchanting examination of textures, shapes, and patterns. The font is fittingly titled "Cloud" and consists of dreamy, cloud-like figures.
Martin Grasser's Abstract Type Generator Turns Typists Into Artists
The Abstract Type Generator, designed by Martin Grasser, creates a custom typeface by taking our conventional alphabet and transforming them into unconventional shapes and colors. The generator is customizable by empowering users to pick different colors and shapes and alter them in every which way.