Graphik proves that it is still possible to create something refreshing inspired by this era.

Taking cues from the less-known anonymous grotesques and geometric sans serifs, Graphik is perfectly suited for graphic and publication design.

Originally designed for Schwartzs own corporate identity, it was later finished for Conde Nast Portfolio and then expanded for Wallpaper and later T, the New York Times Style Magazine.

It is a tribute to the 1930s typeface Semplicita, designed by Nebiolos Alessandro Butti.

The inspiration for Graphik came from designer Christian Schwartzs longstanding interest in the expressive possibilities found in plain typefaces.

This stems from his early exposure to Modernist graphic design, particularly posters, from the mid-twentieth century.

While many of these designs were dominated by the three iconic sans serifs from Europe: Helvetica, Univers, and Futura, Schwartz was drawn to the B-list of sans serifs, such as Plak, Folio, and Neuzeit Grotesk.

Graphik is a typeface without the baggage of Univers and Helvetica that can be used in similar ways without only evoking Modernism.

Additional styles commissioned by Meirion Pritchard at Wallpaper.

It was important that it be flexible, and that it didnt seem to be tied too closely to any particular era of graphic design.

I ended up drawing inspiration from all parts of the 20th century.

The heavy end of the family is based in part on Paul Renners Plak, a relatively obscure display typeface cut only in large sizes of woodtype, that is related to his heavier weights of Futura but has rounder, friendlier, fatter proportions.

For the lighter weights, I was more influenced by the less popular sans serifs that many European foundries released to compete with Futura, Helvetica and Univers - the juggernauts of 20th century sans serifs - such as Neuzeit Grotesk, Folio, Recta, and Maxima.

None of these families were groundbreaking, exactly, but many of them had a certain quirky charm.

Finally, I was also influenced by mid-20th century Swiss poster typography.

Like many people with any sort of interest in graphic design history, I have long admired these posters.

Many of them were set in Akzidenz Grotesk and other generic sans serifs, but others were lettered in a plain but idiosyncratic geometric style.

These posters also helped me name the family the first time around, as Plakat is German for poster.

Wallpaper also wanted a very plain sans for their recent redesign, so the new art director, Meirion Pritchard, commissioned a custom Narrow width and a very thin weight.

Graphik Font Family