Stencil letters, as a genre, have both a timeless and timely quality. They straddle the gamut in their respective looks and timeframes, from industrial functionality to symbolic modernity to futurist stylism. The four-member family called “Sisters One”, “Two”, “Three” and “Four” elegantly designed by Laura Meseguer covers the entire aesthetic and chronological scope. For stencil lovers, like me, it is a totally satisfying set of typefaces that communicate the past, the moment, and the beyond.
Presumably, calling a typeface “Sisters” is a play on the general idea of a type family. And like the biological namesake, these sisters share some of the same character traits, but are not simply thin or fat versions of the same basic face. Each Sister is built according to an additive process. “Sisters One” is an unfettered light-line face. “Sisters Two” is both half light-line and half dark. “Sisters Three” is completely dark. And “Sisters Four” seamlessly integrates light and dark. Each iteration has a unique personality that shares their DNA, and so they are definitely members of the same clan in a very human(ist) manner.
“Sisters” is influenced by Meseguer’s large collection of vintage art deco examples of type specimens, printed ephemera, street and shop signs, and placards, much of which she has shared in situ in her frequent social media posts. Knowing Meseguer’s roots contributes to an appreciation of her exacting contemporary alphabets.
These “Sisters” are designed to get along well with each other and can be used individually or in mix-and-match combinations. The four “Sisters” are, however, an insular, self-contained unit that does not work in harmony with members of other families. So, it is advised to avoid pairing them even with first cousins, aunts, or uncles. Meseguer has created a closely knit system that works beautifully within the nuclear family structure.
| Font of the Month: Sisters | |
|---|---|
| Designers: Laura Meseguer | Foundry: Type-o-Tones |
Steven Heller is nothing short of a legend in the design community. Award-winning graphic designer, author and editor of hundreds of books (yes, 100s!) and one of the world’s foremost authorities on graphic design history; and arguably its best design commentator. Follow Steven on the must-read The Daily Heller and read his latest book, Growing Up Underground: A Memoir of Counterculture New York.
