The Slate typeface family has been heralded as a design that melds superb functionality and aesthetic elegance into a remarkable communications tool. Until recently, however, there was an empty seat at the “family” table - Slate offered no condensed weights.
This shortfall has now been corrected with the addition of the Slate Condensed suite of typeface designs.
The need to save space is an inescapable concern for graphic communicators. Whether it’s the financial pages of an annual report, a directory of product names and inventory numbers, or the need to fit more copy in the sidebar of a newsletter, printed pieces often have a great deal to say and very little room in which to say it. It’s times like these that faces with condensed proportions are essential.
From the type designer’s perspective, however, developing condensed typefaces is a challenge. Merely compressing open letterforms can create characters that appear squeezed. A typeface that was once “easy on the eyes” can become much more difficult to read in condensed form.
The Slate typeface family is the work of Rod McDonald, an award-winning typeface designer. “One of the things that I am most pleased with about Slate Condensed,” says McDonald, “is that it doesn’t feel condensed. It works in a broad range of sizes because readability and legibility have not been compromised.”
An accomplished lettering artist, McDonald worked professionally as a sign painter until the mid-1970s. Shortly before his thirtieth birthday he moved to Toronto, where he became involved in the photo-lettering business. McDonald branched out into teaching and writing while continuing his career in the letter arts. He designed corporate alphabets and logos commissioned by organizations ranging from General Motors and the National Arts Centre to Macleans’s magazine.
In addition to Slate, McDonald has designed the Cartier Book, Laurentian and Smart Sans typeface families.
Slate Condensed is available in six weights from Light to Black, complementing the designs in the original release. With the addition of these condensed designs, the Slate typeface family is an even more powerful communications tool.