As the type industry increasingly becomes dominated by corporate giants focusing on volume and enterprise licensing, supporting independent foundries is vital for maintaining diversity and innovation. These 5 Best Modern Independent Type Foundries not only uphold high standards but also foster personal client relationships that larger companies often lack.
Independent Type Foundries
- TypeType
- Pangram Pangram
- Grilli Type
- Velvetyne
- Just Another Foundry
Type Type
Website: https://typetype.org/
Since 2013, TypeType has been creating functional and aesthetic fonts, developing custom commercial typefaces, and offering type mastering services. With a global team of designers, managers, and technical experts, the studio created popular fonts that include TT Commons™ Pro, TT Fors, TT Norms® Pro, TT Firs Neue, and TT Hoves Pro.
Pangram Pangram
Website: pangrampangram.com
Pangram Pangram is committed to making high-quality fonts accessible to everyone. Their typefaces, including popular fonts like Suisse Int’l, Canela, Avenir Next, GT Super, and GT Walsheim, are designed to elevate your designs and are available to try for free. While personal use is free, commercial licenses can be purchased for client projects. F
Grilli Type
Website: grillitype.com
Switzerland holds a special place on the type design map, with Grilli Type emerging as a prominent studio in this landscape. Renowned for their modern and expressive typefaces, Grilli Type’s most popular fonts include GT America, GT Walsheim, GT Sectra, and GT Super.
Velvetyne
Website: velvetyne.fr
Velvetyne is a collective dedicated to advancing typography through research, workshops, and open, playful tools. They produce fonts and graphical objects under open licenses, fostering transparency and inclusivity in typeface creation. Notable fonts include Panton, a clean geometric sans-serif; Maelstrom, a versatile and unique typeface; and Peregrina, an elegant serif font. Their approach emphasizes collaborative creation and dynamic, open practices.
Just Another Foundry
Website: justanotherfoundry.com
Tim Ahrens and Shoko Mugikura have put the city of Garching, Germany, on the global design map with their studio, Just Another Foundry, which was established in 2004. Despite its local origins, the studio has produced some of the world’s most popular typefaces, including Adelle, Nitti, Cooper, Serif Gothic, and Dandy.
Conclusion
By choosing to support independent foundries, we not only contribute to a rich and diverse design landscape but also celebrate the artistry and individuality that these studios bring to the field. The unique perspectives and unwavering dedication of these foundries ensure that the art of typography continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire.
