Free Font Friday: Salveation

Salveation is a serif typeface created by the Indonesia-based Runsell Studio. Its letterforms feel familiar yet make use of some unexpected curves and angles to keep things interesting. In this sense it feels less like a retro typeface and more like something modern, using visual cues from the past to cleverly disguise itself and fit into both contexts seamlessly.

The free-to-use version is actually only part of a larger family which includes an additional script and slab serif which really serves to round out the overall vintage character the designer was aiming for. The serif employs bold letterforms that were intended to complement the script typeface, but on their own make for a strong display typeface.

The letterforms are strong and tall and have a slight flourish to the serif that gives them the feel of hand-painted lettering, the kind you might see on the window of a barbershop. Usage in signage would actually be a great choice as Salveation has great readability at a distance with just the right amount of character to make it feel inviting and personable. Its vintage, craft feel also makes it well suited for posters or album art for folk bands.

Salveation serif is free for personal use and you can find it here.