Typeface Peninsula
Typeface design
September 2022
Peninsula is a display typeface revived on typeface Italian, the earliest known reverse contrast typeface. The name Peninsula comes from the typeface’s earthy, robust serifs, as well as its quarter-circle wedge — a component that makes Peninsula different from other revivals of Italian — which protrudes out from the stem but is not quite separate, just like a peninsula.
Italian’s original all-cap design posed an exciting challenge for Peninsula’s revival, requiring the invention of an entirely new lowercase set that harmonizes with its bold, unconventional forms. Its commanding presence and reverse contrast are tailored for display sizes, making it ideal for impactful, statement-making typography. The typeface’s grounded robustness mirrors the stability of the earth, creating a visual weight that anchors and elevates any design it inhabits.
Advised by Ben Kiel (XYZ Type.) Type development in-progress but currently on hold.
︎︎︎ Role: designer
Italian’s original all-cap design posed an exciting challenge for Peninsula’s revival, requiring the invention of an entirely new lowercase set that harmonizes with its bold, unconventional forms. Its commanding presence and reverse contrast are tailored for display sizes, making it ideal for impactful, statement-making typography. The typeface’s grounded robustness mirrors the stability of the earth, creating a visual weight that anchors and elevates any design it inhabits.
Advised by Ben Kiel (XYZ Type.) Type development in-progress but currently on hold.
︎︎︎ Role: designer
Peninsula on exhibit at Steinberg Hall Gallery (Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Washington University in St. Louis, April 2022.)
