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VTF Gladius is the latest typographic endeavor from VarsityType. Like many others, this display typeface began as an experiment of implementing characteristics that otherwise would be absent in a traditional chiseled athletic block face.
VTF Gladius implements a system of angles and junctions in its letterforms that generate a distinct clockwise visual rhythm. In circular characters, this sensation is demonstrated throughout the use of offsetting 45-degree corners and intersections built into the counters. This draws the eye through the letterform, left-to-right, making every word feel more dynamic.
Further reinforcing the dynamic, the southernmost horizontal in each letterform is 10% thicker than the others. This unconventional decision alludes to penmanship, with the lower strokes pooling the majority of the ink, creating a nice “bounce” that gives the letter that much more personality. This phenomenon is even more apparent in oblique styles.
Select letterforms also feature “speed cuts”, which are a customizable OpenType feature for the VTF Gladius family. By default, these angular embellishments are disabled for standard styles and enabled for oblique styles. Additionally, the family is packed with a set of 11 discretionary ligatures that can be used as ordinals, buzzwords, and more (These options can be found under “Stylistic Sets” and “Discretionary Ligatures” in the “OpenType” window respectively).
VTF Gladius supports most western languages including: Afrikaans, Basque, Breton, Catalan, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, Gaelic, German, Icelandic, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Sami, Spanish, Swahili, and Swedish.
With five weights, a stencil version, and oblique styles for each, this 12-font family is ready and capable for any project.