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Visual & Motion Designer at Fontfabric Type Foundry
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Typography, at its core, is a universal language that transcends borders. Plush, our latest creation at Fontfabric, is a soft serif typeface that not only embodies comfort and elegance but also speaks fluently in multiple languages. It stands out with its gentle curves, adaptable nature with a Variable font, and a rich set of OpenType features designed to ensure readability and versatility across a wide spectrum of Latin and Cyrillic-based languages.
Now, I’m sure you’ve heard us talk about our various projects here at Fontfabric. Every typeface we craft is a narrative in itself. With creations like Muller Next, Gismo, Grima, Petrov Sans, Salina, and Calleo, we’ve ventured into new territories, exploring the nuances of design and typography. Each typeface is a journey, a story waiting to be told. Today, we invite you to join us on a new journey as we introduce you to Plush — a font that not only communicates across borders but also adds a touch of sophistication to every design canvas it graces.
A Soft Serif with a Strong Presence
Typography is not just about making words legible; it’s about giving them the right tone, the right voice. Plush does just that with its rounded serifs and adaptable nature. It’s designed to thrive across a wide range of applications, from the glossiest of magazines to the most straightforward of website texts.
The Power of Plush’s Stylistic Sets
Stylistic sets might seem like a small detail, but they are the essence of typographic flair. With Plush, these sets allow for an array of character choices, providing a level of customization that supports both the message and the mood. It’s like having multiple fonts in one — a toolkit for expression.
Exploring the Stylistic Sets of Plush:
Plush’s stylistic sets are a typographer’s delight. They unlock different characters and glyphs that can reshape your text’s personality. Picture an invitation with a charming bespoke character, or a logo that expresses a brand’s identity with a unique ‘a’ or an unexpected ‘s’ — that’s the kind of typographic intimacy Plush offers.
Discover Plush’s Stylistic Versatility
Typography is more than just readability; it’s about creating an experience, an atmosphere. With Plush, you’re not just choosing a typeface; you’re selecting a narrative voice for your design story.
A Plush with a Strong Multilingual Presence
Typography knows no bounds when it’s crafted to bridge the gap between cultures. Plush achieves just that with its rounded serifs and a comprehensive character set that embraces Latin and Cyrillic-based languages alike. From English to Ukranian, from French to Bulgarian, Plush welcomes diverse scripts with open arms.
Why Plush Is More Than Just a Typeface
Plush isn’t merely a collection of weights and styles; it’s a design partner. Its versatility comes to life in the richness of a full-bodied headline or the delicacy of a body text. This typeface offers you a spectrum from which to paint your words with precision and poise.
Interview with the Authors:
Meet the Masterminds Behind ‘Plush’ typeface! Introducing our talented creative team: Plamen, the Creative Director, Vika, our Type Director, Joaquin, the Type Designer. And of course the type designers Ivelina Martinova & Stefan Yatanski. Plamen’s vision adds warmth and charm, Vika ensures seamless transitions and versatility, and Joaquin infuses historical influences with a modern twist. Together, they’ve crafted ‘Plush’ – a font that’s both timeless and innovative. Get ready to know more about their creative expertise!
What inspired you to create Plush?
Plamen: The journey to create “Plush” was sparked by a fascination with the soft serif style, especially as seen in a 1924 Windsor type specimen by Stephenson Blake & Co., LTD. This timeless style captivated me, leading to a modern-day interpretation that pays homage to the classics.
Vika: For me, the inspiration behind “Plush” came from the desire to merge the fluid and soft fonts that gained popularity in the 1970s with historical elements, particularly from the Windsor typeface, known for its exaggerated and aggressive serifs. We aimed to add complexity to the design while retaining its character.
Joaquin: ‘Plush’ was inspired by a clear brief for a rounded serif typeface that had to be friendly and consistent across weights. My recent research on baroque typefaces at the Plantin Institute of Typography also played a role. The process involved experimenting with blur effects in Photoshop and refining the results. I modified the base structure along the way to achieve a harmonious rounded outline. In summary, it was influenced by historical text types and involved graphic experimentation.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the font creation process?
Plamen: The challenge was in maintaining warmth and character without becoming overly quirky, especially when working with the soft serif style. It required meticulous attention to detail to strike the right balance.
Vika: As the type director of the project, my focus was on achieving seamless transitions across seven weights, from ExtraLight to Black, particularly in sketching italic letterforms. Balancing the font’s character throughout this range was a significant challenge.
Joaquin: Undoubtedly the biggest challenge was to draw the Cyrillic, for me it was the first time, but the Fontfabric team was very kind to guide me in every detail of this beautiful alphabet.
How do you envision Plush being used by designers in the creative industry?
Plamen: “Plush” is more than just a font; it’s a versatile design tool. With its seven weights from ExtraLight to Black, true italics, and a rich array of ligatures and stylistic sets, it offers designers a playground for creativity. We see it as a go-to choice for a range of applications, from packaging and editorial to dynamic web pages, blending the elegance of classic typefaces with modern-day functionality.
Vika: I envision “Plush” being a perfect choice for adding a touch of the 70s in layouts. But it’s not limited to that; it can also help express bold ideas in a tender way, making it a valuable asset for designers looking to infuse character into their projects.
Joaquin: I imagine it mainly in product design, in packaging, but also in posters. I think it can look great on promotional pieces for bands or festivals.
Did other fonts inspire you in the design process of Plush?
Plamen: The project was significantly influenced by iconic fonts like Windsor by Eleisha Pechey, Souvenir by Morris Fuller Benton, and Cooper by Oswald Bruce Cooper. The opportunity to study these century-old designs was both an inspiration and a responsibility, setting a high bar for the project.
Vika: It’s more about the typography of the 70s with soft chubby fluid fonts. Also, I wanted to mix it with some historical elements and add some character of Windsor typeface (exaggerated aggressive massive serifs). This can be seen in the stylistic set.
Joaquin: Plush has many influences, the main ones being Cooper Black and Windsor. However, the end result has more to do with the design process than the historical references.
If Plush was a person, what qualities would they possess?
Plamen: “Plush” as a person would possess qualities of warmth, character, and a timeless charm. It would be someone who combines classic elegance with a modern twist.
Vika: If “Plush” were a person, they would be tender but firm, standing firmly on their feet but also a bit pushy, relaxed, truly cheerful, and in the case of the stylistic set, a bit daring and brave, just like someone who’s not afraid to stand out and make a statement.
Joaquin: Someone relaxed in his speaking style, but with clear convictions. As an alternative and stylish young person in a traditional family.
Your Canvas Awaits
We’re excited to see the stories you’ll tell with Plush. With its range of weights, italics, and stylistic sets, your design canvas has just expanded. From branding to editorial, Plush adapts, bringing a human touch to the digital landscape.
Let Plush Be Your Muse
Conclusion:
In a world where fonts are abundant but character is rare, Plush stands out. It’s a testament to the craft of typography, where every stroke and curve brings a new story to life. We invite you to explore Plush’s full potential and let it add a touch of soft sophistication to your next project.
