Introduction
In the world of typography, innovation often means blending creativity with accessibility. Shantell Sans, a new variable typeface, has been designed to meet both criteria. Developed by artist Shantell Martin and ArrowType, this typeface aims to transform how we interact with text.
The Inspiration Behind Shantell Sans
Shantell Martin, known for her line drawings and interactive performances, was the driving force behind the creation of Shantell Sans. Having been dyslexic from a young age, Martin often faced challenges with printed texts. Her personal experience with dyslexia was a catalyst for creating a typeface that could be both playful and accessible, yet professional.
Technical Features
Shantell Sans incorporates variable axes for weight, italics, informality, and bounce, offering a wide range of typographic styles. This allows users to customize the font to fit their specific needs, whether for dynamic animation projects or readable everyday text.
Why a Variable Font?
Variable fonts like Shantell Sans offer unprecedented flexibility. They allow designers to adjust a font's properties in real-time without switching font families. According to an Adobe study, 65% of designers find that variable fonts offer greater efficiency in the design process.
Accessibility and Use
Accessibility is at the core of Shantell Sans. It echoes the approach of Comic Sans, a font often criticized but widely used for its readability. Shantell Martin wanted to create a font that was welcoming and easy to read for everyone, including those with dyslexia.
Open Source Distribution
Shantell Sans is released under an open font license, meaning anyone can use and modify it freely. This choice reflects Martin's commitment to accessibility and inclusion. In 2023, over 50% of new fonts are released in an open-source format, according to Google Fonts.
Conclusion
Shantell Sans is more than just a typeface. It's a powerful tool that promotes inclusion while offering unlimited creative options. Whether you're a designer, developer, or entrepreneur, Shantell Sans could be the perfect addition to your project.
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