Designer Steven Skaggs wanted a versatile uncial typeface that was not simply decorative. Traditionally, a true uncial is a majuscule form, entirely lacking in ascenders and descenders. However, by designing Rieven Uncial, Skaggs found a way to use the true uncial as inspiration but retained a lowercase look and feel. Typically, uncials do not have italic forms but in order for Rieven to be a truly versatile face, it was imperative that it should be accompanied by an italic. The italic form owes much to the historical roots in the letra antigua cursiva of the 15th century humanist masters. Rieven Uncial was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Type Design in the 2010 TDC2.

An inkstone, a brush, ink, and paper. In China, one speaks of “wenfang sibao” — the four treasures of the scholar’s study. With these centuries-old hand tools, Werner Schneider created a calligraphic type trilogy of the highest aesthetic order; he named this typeface family after Buddha’s stepbrother, Sunetta. Sunetta is an outstanding choice for contemporary display type purposes. Its combination of lively forms overcome sterile text passages, lending them a more personal note and feeling. But Sunetta is not only recommended for documents bestowing distinction and accolades; the fonts are superb for shorter text passages as well. Sunetta’s spirited flow raises it above the fray that so many generic letterforms find themselves mired in, creating an unforgettable impression. Sunetta’s three complementary styles, Sunetta Flair, Sunetta Charme, and Sunetta Magic, offer three varying degrees of calligraphic verve. The family’s base font, Sunetta Flair, harkens back to the showcard lettering styles of the 1950s, while remaining distinctly European in taste. Sunetta Charme has a more swash-type appearance, while Sunetta Magic is joyfully decorative — its brush-written strokes dance across the line. Together, they may help you reach typographic nirvana.