Kiln Sans
A warm grotesque with ink traps drawn for small sizes and big opinions.
A warm grotesque with ink traps drawn for small sizes and big opinions.
Client
Self-initiated typeface
Role
Type design, specimen
Year
2024
Location
Lisbon
(01)
Overview
Kiln Sans began as lettering for a single poster and grew, over two winters, into a family of six weights.
Kiln Sans began as lettering for a single poster and grew, over two winters, into a family of six weights.
(02)
The challenge
To make a grotesque that stays legible at nine points on cheap paper but still has character when set enormous.
To make a grotesque that stays legible at nine points on cheap paper but still has character when set enormous.
(03)
The approach
Deep ink traps and slightly flared terminals keep counters open in small text; at display sizes those same details become the personality of the face.
Deep ink traps and slightly flared terminals keep counters open in small text; at display sizes those same details become the personality of the face.
“A grotesque with a pulse.”
Specimen review (fictional)
(04)
The outcome
The specimen sold out its first printing. The family is now licensed to three independent studios.
The specimen sold out its first printing. The family is now licensed to three independent studios.
Credits
Credits
Specimen print: Risograph, two colours · Mastering: Ines Calder
Specimen print: Risograph, two colours · Mastering: Ines Calder
