Monotype has released Macklin, a typeface superfamily inspired by a period when type moved beyond books and was used in attention-grabbing street posters and advertisements. Designed by Malou Verlomme of the Monotype Studio, Macklin is a typeface that demands attention and enables brands to appeal more emotionally to modern consumers.
While explicitly not a historic revival, Macklin plays respect to the work of British typographer Vincent Figgins, who played a key role in the evolution of typography in the 19th century. As today's publishers' transition to new media interfaces, Macklin is rooted a pivotal period in type history. Each character has been intentionally designed to bring styles that have been historically separated together in one family.
"Macklin is not a historical typeface. In fact, I went through several stages of 'de-historization' during the design process," commented Verlomme. "While keeping the basic structure intact, all the historical details have been removed, even the iconic teardrop terminals. The result is a contemporary family that offers a large palette for branding and editorial needs.
"When I settled on the current form of Macklin, I focused on the needs of today's designer: A sans for everyday needs; a sturdy slab that stands out; a text for longer reading; and a display for large, crisp headings."
Comprising of four subfamilies, 54 fonts and 9 weights from hairline to black, Maclin offers a broad palette for visual expression. The range of styles makes Macklin an excellent choice for banding, whether in a corporate identity system or for more expressive environments like packaging or editorial.
Images: Courtesy of Monotype