The origins of the Slate™ typeface lie in the work experience of its designer, Rod McDonald. Participating in a typeface research project conducted by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), McDonald was exposed to many type design traits that are best suited to maximizing character legibility and text readability. Two separate typefaces were born out of the inspiration gained during the project, a large sans serif typeface family for Toronto Life magazine, and a sans serif family for Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax. McDonald was pleased with both designs, but craved further exploration. He wanted a type that could function as well in print as on-screen.
The result is the Slate family of typefaces, which blend features of McDonald’s earlier sans serifs into a humanistic sans with extraordinary levels of legibility. Eschewing an ‘engineered’ look by forgoing any noticeable design gimmicks or devices, Slate is reminiscent of early American sans, like News Gothic. The medium weight has the feel of Akzidenz Grotesk, and the black functions much like the bold weights of Futura or Franklin.
The Slate Complete Family Pack is available in six weights of roman, plus condensed versions of each and complementary italics for all the designs. Slight changes in style from the light to the black weights give the user maximum flexibility in the ability to combine weights for any project. Slate is truly a Super Family - one of grace, power and exceptional versatility.