Behind the type — Custom Fonts

Distressed type signals authenticity, defiance and human effort — but it also sorts your audience and costs you legibility. A guide to when rough letterforms earn trust, when they read as costume, and how to use them without wrecking readability.

Learn what to include in a custom font brief, with a practical checklist for creative directors covering brand context, technical needs, rights and delivery.

Understand the custom font design timeline, what affects the schedule and how to keep a bespoke typeface project moving without cutting corners.

A practical guide to commissioning a custom typeface, from the first brief and creative direction to testing, licensing and delivery.