![]() ![]() Grotesque sans serif is the first generation of sans serifs, with many weird (wonky) visual traits compared to other sans serifs. Grotesque sans serif received its name from the Italian word grottesco, meaning “belonging to the cave,” because the idea of not having serif was considered bold, shocking, and ugly at the time. Grotesque sans serifs were the earliest sans serif, influenced by the Modern style serif. Sans serifs have no serifs Grotesque Sans Serif Furthermore, They break down into smaller style categories: Grotesque, Neo Grotesque, Humanist, and Geometric. Though Caslon Egyptian didn’t become popular immediately, Sans Serif boomed in popularity decades later. In 1816, William Caslon IV created the first official sans serif typeface, Caslon Egyptian, for commercial use. Sans means “without.” Sans Serifs were invented long after serifs typefaces, and they do not have serifs extending at the end of strokes. They are seen in many brands looking to appear artsy, creative, and contemporary. However, while the word itself is certainly related, a humanist typeface is something. It follows that something labeled as humanist would reflect those valuesthat the human creation is paramount. We have talked about them in our post about luxury and tech brands. Humanism is generally understood as a stance that values the power of human beings over dogma or superstition. Cultural tradition ensured that German typography and type design remained true to the gothic/blackletter spirit but the parallel influence of the humanist and neo-classical typography in Italy catalyzed textur into four additional sub-styles that were distinct, structurally rich, and highly disciplined: Bastarda, fraktur, rotunda, and Schwabacher. These are typically informal with many being distressed to mimic the irregularity of a typewriter.Ĭharacterized by an extremely tall x-height, thick serifs, geometric shapes, almost no contrast, and an absence of serif brackets.A Word About Sans Serifs & Their Classificationsĭue to their simplistic appearances often devoid of fancy flourishes, sans serifs are considered bold and modern. Initially used with typewriters, these typefaces are sometimes monospace in reference to the limitations of mechanical typewriters. A reflection of the industrial period they came from though they were seen as quite ugly when initially released.Ĭharacterized by an extremely tall x-height, thick serifs, little contrast, vertical axis, and tight serif brackets.Ĭharacterized by reverse contrast (horizontal stroke is thicker than vertical) and a distinctly western or circus vibe. Egyptian, also called AntiqueĬharacterized by low contrast, thick serifs (approximately same thickness as vertical strokes), and ball terminals. They were originally designed for use at large sizes in advertising. Slab, also called mechanistic, mechanical, or mécanes (1800’s)Ī diverse classification with numerous sub-categories, all of which include thick or bold serifs. Characterized by extreme contrast, thin serifs, vertical axis, and no serif brackets. The name is an amalgamation of the surnames of the typefounders Firmin Didot and Giambattista Bodoni. Technology enables typographers to push the limits of typeface refinement. Characterized by high contrast, flat serifs (flatter than Humanist and Garalde), an almost vertical axis, and gentle serif brackets. Advances in paper technology means paper can hold ink better, allowing for finer characters. Transitional designs between Garalde and Didone. Transitional, also called realist, or réales (mid 1700’s) Characterized by moderate x-height, moderate contrast, angled serifs (less angled than Humanist serifs), moderate axis, horizontal cross stroke on the e, and gentle serif brackets. ![]() Technical improvements allowed for the punching of more refined and developed typefaces. Garalde, also called Aldine (1400’s – 1700’s) ![]() Characterized by small x-height, low contrast, angled serifs, a strong axis, an angled cross stroke on the e, and generous serif brackets. Below you will find the five main sub-classifications Humanist, also called humanes (1470’s – 1490’s)īased on calligraphic writing with flat brush or broad nib pen. While serifs are a piece of typographic anatomy, they are also a classification that includes any typefaces that use serifs. ![]()
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