Times with a Human Face: In my article of the same name which appeared in the magazine Font, volume 2000 I described the long and trying story of an order for a typeface for the Czech periodical Lidové noviny (People’s Newspaper). My task was to design a modification of the existing Times. The work, however, finally resulted in the complete re-drawing of the typeface. The assignment, which was on the whole wisely formulated, was to design a typeface which would enable “a smooth flow of information in the reader’s eye”, therefore a typeface without any artistic ambitions, from which everything which obstructs legibility would be eliminated. A year later Lidové noviny had a different manager who in the spring of 2001 decided to resume the cooperation. The typeface itself definitely profited from this; I simplified everything which could be simplified, but it still was not “it”, because the other, and obviously more important, requirement of the investor held: “the typeface must look like Times”. And that is why the above-mentioned daily will continue to be printed by a system version of Times, negligently adjusted to local conditions, which is unfortunately a far cry from the original Times New Roman of Stanley Morison. When I was designing Lido, the cooperation with the head of production of Lidové noviny was of great use to me. Many tests were carried out directly on the newspaper rotary press during which numerous weak points of the earliest versions were revealed. The printing tests have proved that the basic design of this typeface is even more legible and economical than that of Times. The final appearance of Lido STF was, however, tuned up without regard to the original assignment – the merrier-looking italics and the more daring modelling of bold lower case letters have been retained. The typeface is suitable for all periodicals wishing to abandon inconspicuously the hideous system typefaces with their even more hideous accents and to change over to the contemporary level of graphic design. It is also most convenient for everyday work in text editors and office applications. It has a fairly large x-height of lower case letters, shortened serifs and simplified endings of rounded strokes. This is typical of the typefaces designed for use in small sizes. Our typeface, however, can sustain enlargement even to the size appropriate for a poster, an information table or a billboard, as it is not trite and at the same time is moderate in expression. Its three supplementary condensed designs correspond to approximately 80% compression and have been, of course, drawn quite separately. The intention to create condensed italics was abandoned; in the case of serif typefaces they always seem to be slightly strained. I named the typeface dutifully "Lido" (after the name of the newspaper) and included it in the retail catalog of my type foundry. In order to prevent being suspected of additionally turning a rejected work into cash, Lido STF in six designs is available free of charge. I should not like it if the issuing of this typeface were understood as an “act out of spite” aimed against the venerable Times. It is rather meant as a reminder that there really are now alternatives to all fonts in all price categories.

TT Geekette is an experimental variable* serif with friendly and flexible character of shapes. In this project, we wanted to get away from simplifications and dry geometry and to experiment with the smoothness, softness and plasticity of forms. And in order to make the project a little more stylish and serious, we decided to make the font monospaced. When creating TT Geekette, we did not rely on traditional writing techniques or on the influence of pen movement on the font pattern. Despite the fact that judging by certain characters TT Geekette is a serif, the font is specifically “built” and “drawn”. There are several systemic techniques in font design, such as “loops” which set the plastic rhythm for the entire typeface. Variability in TT Geekette is influenced by contrast buildup in the font—moving the slider to adjust the variability axis, you gradually move from a completely non-contrast monolinear serif font to a font with a pronounced reverse contrast. In addition, with the help of the variability slider, you can remove serifs from the monolinear essence of the font. The TT Geekette family consists of 3 styles: the TT Geekette Bones—monolinear font, the TT Geekette Muscles—reverse contrast serif, and the TT Geekette Variable font. Each style contains over 450 glyphs. And yes, technically the typeface can be used in programming, at least you are guaranteed to get your share of bright emotions. *An important clarification regarding variable fonts. At the moment, not all graphic editors, programs and browsers support variable fonts. You can check the status of support for the variability of your software here: v-fonts.com/support/

Grenale Slab adds to the new standard of elegance within the Grenale family. Not your typical slab, Grenale has some unique forms that give it a look all its own. This glamourous slab still draws much inspiration from Grenale’s Didone sans and its haute couture influence. Independently attractive, it’s balanced and poised, with well formed strokes. Grenale Slab’s thin weights are simple but vibrant--elegant forms that naturally lend themselves to designer journals and high-end branding along with upscale applications. With added energy and power, the thicker weights give your work a firmer, statlier look. Grenale Slab’s upright versions are also matched by optically adjusted italics. The fashionable typeface includes a multitude of alternates that may be accessed in any OpenType-enabled application. The stylish features include a large group of alternates, swashes, and meticulously refined details with ball terminals and alternate titling caps to accessorize the font. Also included are capital swash alternates, old style figures, and small caps. Peruse the PDF brochure to see these features in action. OpenType enabled applications such as the Adobe suite or Quark can take full advantage of the automatic replacing ligatures and alternates. This family also offers the glyphs to support a wide range of languages. Any of Slab’s weights also provide a well-matched companion to its original counterparts, Grenale #2 and the original Grenale. It’s time to think high-class. Graceful and assured, the carefully crafted forms of Grenale Slab step pleasantly onto each page with elegant charm. Include its range of alternate glyphs, and this chic font is a superb choice for bringing a far more refined look to your copy.