Absolem
Task: to design a hybrid typeface combining experimental grotesque style, Gothic texture and Renaissance Antiqua.
Solution: Absolem—a two-axis variable hybrid typeface.
The Antiqua in this typeface is an amalgamation of Renaissance and Gothic styles. Absolem is characterized by sharp apexes and triangle serifs which also act as drops.
For example, in the letter A serifs only point inwards, as the outer corners are sharp enough without serifs.
As opposed to the Antiqua, the grotesque does not obey the logic of constructing letters with a broad-nib pen. Whereas some fragments of the Antiqua can be traced back to history, the grotesque comes entirely from the 21st century.
The link between the grotesque and the Antiqua is more that of mood, rather than logic. At first glance, the styles live independently. But only until they come together in printed matter. Then it becomes obvious that they are a perfect pair for each other.
Contrast increases along with weight, as the thickness of the secondary stroke always remains constant.
Unusual diacritics of the face deserve special attention. With the exception of the breve and the diaeresis, their saturation doesn’t increase along with type weight which only enhances the display nature of heavier styles.
Absolem is to a greater extent a display typeface. Some of its styles can be used in text matter, but exercising caution is recommended.
The character set includes Cyrillic and extended Latin sets, mathematical symbols an currency signs.
