Five ITC Display Classics
Display typefaces are designed to attract attention. The most successful of them accomplish this without overpowering. Many of these designs are distinctive, so they can create brand and product differentiation. They can also evoke a mood or elicit an emotional response.
In its storied history, ITC released a large number of memorable and exceptionally versatile display typefaces. The Aachen™, Gigi™ ITC Jellybaby™, ITC Musclehead™, and ITC Musica™ designs are five excellent examples of the range of ITC’s display typeface offering.
The Aachen typeface family was drawn in the late 1960s – and is still a popular and powerful communicator today. Aachen is available in a Bold weight, of substantial proportions, and a Medium, which still commands attention. Both designs’ relatively condensed proportions and abbreviated slab serifs are remarkably space-efficient.
ITC Gigi is blithe and spontaneous, an absolutely captivating informal script. Its profusion of flourishes give it a charming, handwritten quality. Gigi is everything a good display design should be: charismatic, distinctive and evocative. The end result is a typeface that can add a signature style to a vast range of projects.
Jelly babies are small, chewy candies available in fruity flavors. In fantasy tales, they are carried by time-travelers and are most useful for getting out of bad situations. ITC Jellybaby, however, is useful to everybody. Its casual, slightly condensed letterforms and smooth, soft lines create bright, inviting typography. If you are looking for a friendly – and slightly retro – design, ITC Jellybaby is a great choice.
ITC Musclehead doesn’t whisper – it proclaims. This robust and densely packed handwriting style, however, has an immediacy and liveliness that belie its heft. A little rough around the edges and definitely possessing an attitude, ITC Musclehead can be the perfect typeface when you want your message to come across loud and clear.
Take a base of Bodoni, fold in some script letterforms, add a bit of weight, a dash of whimsy, and you have ITC Musica. One can’t help but be charmed by this playful, full-bodied design. The vivacious swash capitals also make ITC Musica stand out from the crowd. It’s not overstated – but clearly makes a statement.
There are many more, equally great, ITC display typefaces to choose from. Spend some time browsing through them the next time your project calls for a special typographic signature.