Grecia | Communication Arts

Responses by Panos Vassiliou, type designer, Parachute Typefoundry.

Background: Traditionally, serif typefaces have been grounded in early typographic models, influenced by calligraphic pens that create strokes with varied thickness and a distinct, oblique emphasis. These early designs were shaped by their tools, establishing a strong connection between calligraphy and serif forms. However, as technology advances, the objectives and applications of type design have evolved considerably. In this context, Grecia meets the changing needs of designers, offering a bold, visually striking typeface that excels in readability and versatility across different media and design environments.

Design thinking: PF Grecia embodies the evolution of serif typefaces by blending the sharpness of blackletter with the refinement of roman characteristics, creating a design that’s both unique and expressive. As a variable typeface, it adapts to two main styles—Text and Display, each with matching italics. This adaptability is governed by two design axes: weight and optical size.

The Text version is optimized for smaller sizes with lower contrast and strong terminals to enhance readability, while the Display style is sharper, condensed and features tighter spacing for high visual impact at larger sizes. Classical proportions define the romans, whose sharpness smoothly transitions to the narrower, distinctively styled italics.

Challenges: Achieving a consistent geometry throughout the typeface was an intricate task that demanded precision and a careful balance of form. Blending sharp details with rounded letterforms to ensure readability in text sizes required meticulous adjustments, especially in the lighter weights. Additionally, the unconventional shape of the letter o in the Text styles proved challenging at these weights. Greek letterforms tend to be more rounded than Latin, so incorporating the sharp blackletter qualities in a way that felt cohesive presented an additional challenge.

Favorite details: Grecia truly comes to life in larger display sizes and heavier weights, where its elaborate details can be fully appreciated. The intense oblique stress, pronounced weight transitions and variety of stylistic alternates offer a broad spectrum of styles and personalities, making Grecia a truly standout typeface. Expressive characters like a, b, c, G, g, i, o and r add a lively, quirky character to the typeface. The letter o in particular breaks convention with its unique shape in Text styles, while its italic form adopts a distinct -10° slant that veers away from traditional calligraphic forms.

Specific project demands: The main challenge was balancing the timeless elegance of classical typography with the daring, innovative features of modern design. Blending these two worlds required thoughtful adjustments to preserve readability while pushing visual boundaries. Incorporating blackletter influences without sacrificing functionality added a further layer of complexity, but it ultimately enriched the typeface, enabling Grecia to make a distinct statement across various design contexts.

Visual influences: Grecia draws inspiration from Darley, a typeface created in the 1930s by cartographer Charles E. Riddiford for National Geographic maps. Darley was designed to make map details clear, legible and visually appealing. Several years ago, we were commissioned to enhance and expand on National Geographic’s historical typefaces. During that project, I was particularly captivated by Darley’s distinctive trails, which led me to develop Grecia by incorporating blackletter sharpness, seamlessly blending it with roman elements to create a modern homage to classic typography.

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