DESIGN NAME: Rotary Sans
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Typeface
INSPIRATION: Rotary Sans draws inspiration from the interplay of geometry and functionality found in mid-century modern design, where clean lines and purposeful details create a sense of clarity and efficiency. The typeface takes cues from classic grotesque and neo-grotesque sans-serifs but reinterprets them with a contemporary twist—most notably through its distinctive pear drop-shaped ink traps. These ink traps not only enhance legibility but also introduce a subtle organic contrast to the structure.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Rotary Sans is a modern OpenType sans-serif typeface that blends contemporary aesthetics with strong geometric contrasts. Its most distinctive feature is the pear drop-shaped ink traps, which add a unique visual character while enhancing legibility. Designed with versatility in mind, Rotary Sans includes an extended Latin glyph set, complete with alternative characters and ligatures, making it well-suited for a wide range of typographic applications.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The presentation box was gifted to the first ten companies that purchased the complete typeface family.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Location Italy. The research project began in late 2023 and progressed through development, culminating in its production and launch in July 2024.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The font was meticulously designed and digitally crafted, offering support for over 200 Latin-based languages. To celebrate its launch, a limited-edition specimen box was digitally printed, showcasing the typeface’s versatility and strength across various applications.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The outer box 25 x 155 x 215 was digitally printed and then silver foil printed. The 20 postcards were printed on 300gsm natural paper cmyk.
TAGS: Type design, Typeface, Specimen
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The initial research for Rotary Sans focused on striking a balance between geometric precision and functional versatility. The design process began with an in-depth study of mid-century modern typography, particularly the clean, efficient letterforms found in grotesque and neo-grotesque typefaces. These styles, known for their straightforward and utilitarian approach, served as a foundation for Rotary Sans, but the goal was to introduce a contemporary refinement that would make it more adaptable to modern branding and communication needs.
CHALLENGE: The development of Rotary Sans presented several key design challenges, requiring a careful balance between form, function, and originality. One of the primary hurdles was achieving a distinctive aesthetic while maintaining the clarity and versatility expected of a contemporary sans-serif. The typeface needed to feel fresh and modern yet still be highly functional across a range of applications, from branding to editorial use.
ADDED DATE: 2025-01-31 02:11:59
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Paul Henry Robb and Moira Bartoloni
IMAGE CREDITS: Paul Henry Robb
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