Bla Bla Serif: A Contemporary Typeface Inspired by Brutalist Forms

Award-winning Typeface Designed by Paul Robb

Bla Bla Serif is a unique and elegant typeface that draws inspiration from brutalist architecture, developed by renowned designer Paul Robb. With its large open counters and curved, round forms, this contemporary serif typeface offers a modern and stylish glyph set, making it perfect for communication and branding projects.

The inspiration for Bla Bla Serif came from the bold and striking forms found in brutalist architecture. Paul Robb, the designer, explains that he wanted to translate the essence of brutalist forms into a serif typeface, using mathematical grids and precise forms. The result is a typeface that combines the strength and power of brutalist architecture with the elegance and sophistication of a serif font.

What sets Bla Bla Serif apart from other typefaces is its organic curves and gentle repetitions, creating harmonious and powerful forms. The typeface has been meticulously designed to ensure each glyph is visually appealing and balanced. With more than 700 glyphs, including stylistic letter and numeral sets, alternative glyphs, and discretionary ligatures, Bla Bla Serif offers a wide range of design possibilities.

Developed using Glyphs, Bla Bla Serif is available in TTF, OTF, and WOFF formats, making it accessible for various design applications. The typeface has also been printed on newsprint in CMYK, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to different mediums.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was creating a serif typeface inspired by brutalist forms. While brutalism is often associated with sans fonts, Paul Robb aimed to develop a new language and approach to a stylistic serif typeface. Through extensive research and observation of architectural structures, the designer was able to identify forms that shaped the serifs, resulting in a truly unique and innovative design.

Bla Bla Serif has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2023, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award honors designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its contemporary and elegant aesthetic, Bla Bla Serif is a testament to Paul Robb's creative vision and expertise in type design. Whether used for branding, identity, or communication projects, this typeface adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to any design.

Image Credits: Copyright 2022 Paul Henry Robb

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Paul Henry Robb, 2022


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Paul Robb
Image Credits: Copyright 2022 Paul Henry Robb
Project Team Members: Paul Henry Robb
Project Name: Bla Bla Serif
Project Client: Paul Robb


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