In type design, focusing on the details helps a font find its true voice. At Fontfabric, we aim to explore new ideas in typography, creating typefaces that serve their purpose while offering something distinct.
Combina reflects this approach. It’s a typographic experiment that brings together different styles, designed to work well and look good. Let’s look at what makes Combina a noteworthy addition to various design projects.
Combina: Design Rooted in Contrast
Combina finds its identity in balancing different elements. Designer Ani Dimitrova focused on the sans-serif forms, while Stefan Yatanski developed the script elements. Vika Usmanova served as Type Director for the project, overseeing the design process. The idea was to blend the precision of geometric sans-serifs, drawing from styles like Futura and Avenir, with the character of romantic cursive scripts seen in older specimen books. The goal was to see if these influences could sit together effectively, and they do.
The Core of Combina: Dynamic Alternation
A key feature of Combina is its programmed alternation. As you type, the font shifts between its two styles – the geometric sans and the flowing script. This creates a rhythm and texture in the text. It’s a method for adding visual interest, creating something that catches the eye.
Weights and Versatility: A Range of Styles
Combina offers a palette for different uses with its six weights: Thin, Light, Regular, Medium, SemiBold, and Bold. It also includes a variable font, offering even more flexibility for designers to fine-tune its weight and expression. As an all-caps display typeface, it works well for prominent text, from lighter touches to bolder statements.
Where Combina Finds Its Place: Practical Applications
Combina is a display typeface for expressive design. Its alternating dual-style logic offers a unique option for projects where typography needs to be noticed.
Combina can be used in areas such as:
- Branding & Logos: Crafting identities that blend structure with distinct flair.
- Packaging Design: Helping products stand out.
- Fashion & Beauty: Adding a specific edge to visuals.
- Editorial Design: For headlines that engage readers.
- Creative Campaigns: Bringing personality to a message.
It’s a font that aims for distinction in diverse designs.
Global Reach: Supporting Many Languages
Combina is built to be useful globally. It supports Extended Latin and Cyrillic language systems, covering over 130 languages, including dedicated Bulgarian localization. This broad support helps designers create work across various language needs. It also includes OpenType features like alternates, stylistic sets, and ligatures, offering additional flexibility for typographic choices.
The Hands Behind Combina
The development of Combina was a collaborative effort. Ani Dimitrova was responsible for the geometric sans-serif forms. Stefan Yatanski designed the script elements. Vika Usmanova guided the project as Type Director, helping shape Combina’s overall character.
A Conversation with the Designers
We recently spoke with Ani Dimitrova and Stefan Yatanski to hear about their insights and the journey of creating Combina.
Interview:
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
Ani: Hi! My name is Ani and I’m a type designer at Fontfabric. I love experimenting with the visual language of letters and exploring new ways of expression through typography.
Stefan: My name is Stef and I’m a type designer/art director at Fontfabric.
Q: What inspired you to create Combina? Tell us more about the concept behind it.
Ani: Combina was a collaborative project with Stefan — I was responsible for the sans part, while the artistic script letters were his creation. Our goal was to bring together two worlds: the clarity of modern sans-serif fonts and the emotional, decorative nature of script lettering. We wanted to create something unexpected yet harmonious — a typeface that is both contrasting and balanced. Combina blends the rational with the romantic in a visual dialogue.
Stefan: Combining sans and script gives you the best of both worlds: the structure of math and the expression of art. I designed the script for this one—it’s my favorite kind of type to work on. There’s less calculation and more room to play. We looked at old lettering specimens for inspiration, especially the ones with that handcrafted charm you just don’t see anymore.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the font creation process?
Ani: One of the main challenges was finding the right rhythm between the two visual systems — the script and geometric shapes. They have different structures, dynamics, and “temperaments,” and it was crucial to strike a visual and functional balance between them.
Stefan: There wasn’t anything very challenging in particular. The coding took a while to decide because we needed to have a good balance between sans and script. The project was very fun to work on.
Q: How do you envision Combina being used by designers in the creative industry? What would be the best implication for Combina in terms of usability?
Ani: I see Combina as a tool for standing out — ideal for brand identities, headlines, beverage labels, fashion, magazines, and art projects. It suits designs that seek individuality and emotional depth. It works especially well in contexts where a subtle nod to vintage aesthetics is desired, but in a modern way.
Stefan: I think it would be a great fit for fashion, editorial layouts, and food branding—anywhere that needs a bit of character and style.
Q: Did other fonts inspire you in the design process of Combina?
Ani: Yes, one source of inspiration was our own typeface called Transforma. It has a similar feel in some aspects, but with a very different personality.
Stefan: Yep, I was inspired by an old specimen.
Q: If Combina were a person, what qualities would they possess?
Ani: Combina would definitely be someone with an artistic soul — a true creative at heart, but also a thoughtful strategist.
Stefan: Intelligent with a subtle sense of humour.
Q: Do you have a set of characters that you favor most?
Ani: Absolutely! I really love the B, G, and R in the script style — they have such expressive movement and character. I also appreciate the clean structure of the Sans, which, despite its neutrality, carries a strong presence.
Stefan: B, E, Q.
Understanding Combina’s Character
Beyond its features, Combina has a particular character. Ani describes it with “Contrast – Expression – Elegance,” highlighting its balance of different elements. Stefan sees it as “Geometric. Romantic. Magical,” pointing to its dual nature. These qualities are part of what Combina aims to convey in a design.
Experience Combina
Combina is designed to offer a distinct presence in your work. Whether you’re working on a logo, an ad campaign, or editorial layouts, Combina aims to be a valuable tool.
You can explore its full visual presentation and capabilities on Behance
Pairing Combina: Complementing Its Boldness
At Fontfabric, we often explore how our typefaces can work together, and sometimes that involves direct experimentation. While Combina truly shines in striking headlines and short, impactful text with its all-caps design, for longer passages or body copy, it pairs effectively with complementary fonts that offer regular lowercase characters. We even experimented with mixing Combina with Nexa Serif to see how their distinct qualities would interact.
For body text, options like Nexa Text, Mont Blanc and Squad providing the clean readability needed for extended text, ensuring your layouts remain legible and harmonious from headline to footer, offering a versatile toolkit for your projects.
Making Combina Yours
If you’re looking for a typeface that brings a unique touch to your typography, Combina is available now.
