Monotype Shares Type Trends For 2023; Eye-Popping Yet ‘Super Sober’

Typography underlines your experiences and pretty much everything you care about. Case in point: Early this year, the US State Department stirred a reaction when it phased out Times New Roman as the official typeface for its internal documents. A study of 400 participants conducted by Monotype also validated that font choice affects people’s emotions.

Now, in the 2023 edition of its Type Trends report, the type foundry divulges that evolving font styles go far deeper—they reflect, and are emboldened, by our understanding of the current landscape.

Monotype’s forecast, consisting of 10 vibrant observations, is “influenced by culture, diversity, and inclusion, and inspired by technologies we are adopting more into the mainstream,” the company explains in a press release. Recent months have seen a dramatic advance in artificial intelligence, as well as augmented and virtual reality, pointing to the symbiotic relationship between creativity and technology.

“This report is an educational collection of work that fascinates and excites us and, most importantly, represents a ripple coursing through the ocean of design,” describes Monotype Creative Type Director Terrance Weinzierl, adding that the trends “provide perspective of how our daily life is impacting letterforms.” 

Preview six out of 10 typography trends below, and view the full report here.

Superhero

Soaring above the pandemic, the world is empowered and kickass, and ready to tap into its playful side again. ‘Superhero’ adds punch to projects with its happy comic book vibes. The trend, often conveyed with outlines and shadows, and tilted or curved, potentially found its footing from the growing interest in comic-book movies.

Pixel Play

The native digital look is here to stay, and it’s perfect for capturing interest or expressing your virtual presence.

Super Sober

In the same way neutrals bring balance to loud colors, ‘Super Sober’ aims to keep people grounded by injecting simplicity into a noisy climate of saturated designs. In a counterintuitive way, it stands out with its monochromatic shades and by coloring within the lines.

Match Maker

An extension of last year’s typography trends, ‘Match Maker’ reemphasizes a growing impulse by designers and brands to experiment with a variety and diversity of impactful visual forms. It’s back bigger and better because it’s a manifestation of the human experience and our values, goals, and missions.

Smart Grid

Grids live another year but with a gentler twist. Escaping from the rigidity of the past years, these structures are softened with rounded corners for a touch of sophistication.

Flux

Another theme from 2022, ‘Flux’ embodies the accelerated push of graphic design into new realities and dimensions.

To view more type trends, check out Monotype’s full report here.

[via Monotype]