Five More Sans-Serif Typeface Examples

These five sans-serif typeface examples offer different starting points for print and web projects. Dreamkatcha considers typography carefully in our logo designs. Our first sans-serif typeface selection covered Akzidenz-Grotesk, Helvetica, Univers, Gotham and Futura; this second article explores five further choices.

1. Gill Sans

For many people, this is the most famous sans-serif type owing to its association with public transport and on Penguin paperbacks. Gill Sans is derived from the earlier Johnston Sans and was originally intended for use on display posters. Lighter versions gave the typeface a good following for use in body text.

Designer: Eric Gill (released by Monotype from 1928)

2. Avenir

Avenir is inspired by the Futura typeface created by Paul Renner (1927). Avenir, translated from the French to English means ‘future’. The family has expanded through later versions, including Avenir Next, so the available weights depend on the edition. With its various weights, you can choose whether to use one variant for display work, or another one for body text.

Designer: Adrian Frutiger (1988)

3. ITC Avant Garde

ITC Avant Garde Gothic began as a magazine identity before becoming one of ITC’s early typeface families. The original Roman designs were drawn by Herb Lubalin and Tom Carnase in 1970. It took its name from the logotype used in Avant Garde magazine. It is a popular typeface for print projects, particularly book covers and album covers (The Man Who by Travis is one example).

Designer: Herb Lubalin and Tom Carnase (1970); later styles by additional designers

4. Century Gothic

You could say the fourth typeface in our round-up is similar to the previous one. In fact, Century Gothic was conceived as an alternative to ITC Avant Garde, though inspired by Futura and Sol Hess’ Twentieth Century. For print work, compare its letter widths, line breaks and legibility in a proof rather than assuming a particular font will always save ink or paper.

Designer: Monotype Imaging (1991)

5. Roboto

Our final one is a modern typeface, one that you ought to be familiar with if you have an Android device. Designed by Christian Robertson, Roboto is available through Google Fonts. Free availability still comes with licence conditions: check the licence supplied with the exact font version you use. Its different weights provide options for headings and body text, subject to testing at the intended size.

Designer: Christian Robertson (2011)

Any more honourable suggestions?

Compare both selections against your project’s tone, reading sizes and language requirements. A typeface that works well in a heading may need different spacing or weight in body text. Check the relevant licence before using your chosen font.

Contact Dreamkatcha today for a logo design quote

Dreamkatcha, 24 November 2016.