Responses by Dimitra Paraschou, communications director, Parachute Typefoundry.
Background: Slab serif typefaces have a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century, where they were primarily used in advertising, posters and other display applications. They have recently made a resurgence in web design and digital media due to their bold, distinctive appearance. We decided to go back to a Parachute original, the Synch typeface that we released in 2006 as a contrasted slab with thick block-like serifs. Based on feedback form users, we created a new monolinear version by introducing significant changes and improvements.
The purpose of this Synch revival was to make a slab serif typeface ready to cater to the evolving needs of designers in the digital age, standing out on the screen with improved readability, consistent geometry and, of course, great versatility. At the same time, we designed a sans serif counterpart of Synch to offer another simple yet powerful option to designers and creatives who work with diverse design applications.
Design thinking: The new PF Synch is a variable typeface with narrow proportions, offering economy of space for headline use. The typeface is now monolinear with wedge serifs, and most inner corners have been rounded for improved readability. Shortened capitals and consistent geometry throughout the set of styles increase the typeface’s versatility within body text while providing a balanced rhythm and strong presence when used in headlines. Our main goal was to offer designers an industrial-strength typeface with versatile qualities that works equally well in everything from print to digital media.
Challenges: Reinventing a classic design required us to meticulously locate the typeface’s characteristics that needed to be improved and those that needed to be evolved or changed for a contemporary, digital-first world. At the same time, we had the very complex task of designing such a versatile typeface, which called for detailed and careful consideration in order to deliver a harmonious, consistent result. The process of transforming PF Synch and Synch Sans into variable fonts with seamless transitions necessitated extensive testing and simultaneous work across multiple levels.
Favorite details: One unique feature that stands out is the sharp cut at the joins. This element adds an industrial quality to the heavier weights, making the typeface especially strong. Also, the sharp cut has practical purposes as it compensates for overinking. That way, the typeface maintains legibility and readability in every use.
Specific project demands: On the one hand, working on an already classic design can be tricky because it needs a lot of respect and detailed research and testing before making any transitions. The new design is always going to be compared to the old one, and it is really hard to strike a balance between new, innovative elements and traditional ones. On the other hand, over the years, we have received several comments and suggestions from users that made it easy for us to know exactly what features to revise and expand upon.
Visual influences: PF Synch takes its cues from early 19th century designs, such as the condensed Antique styles by Vincent Figgins or Bruce’s type foundry, as well as those that appear in early 20th century catalogs by ATF or Hamilton Wood Type. All of these appear to have a Roman influence with a few exceptions, whereas Synch’s skeleton is geometric.
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