FS Rosa is a free-spirited and optimistic serif typeface – reminiscent of those used on fanzines, film sequences and book covers of the 1970s, such as Cooper and Windsor, it has a laid-back nature with a touch of rebellion. It also reminds of type used in colourful protest graphics by nun-turned-designer Corita Kent, and its personality is akin with brands like Whole Foods - positive rather than preachy. While unconventional, it’s sensible enough to work perfectly for socially conscious brands, magazines, websites and campaigns that want a fairer and more responsible world.
Hand-drawn digitally, FS Rosa is warm and open-minded – its irregular letterforms are rounded, with soft terminals, a large x-height and wide apertures. But it is also quirky and eclectic, with irregular shapes – its short ascenders and descenders have slanted serifs, its uppercase forms have unusually low crossbars and the letters are filled with oddities and surprises.
The typeface looks to stand out against a sea of homogenous, geometric sans serifs, and celebrates beauty through imperfection. It comes in five weights of Thin, Light, Regular, Bold and Black. The heavier weights make an impact and are great for loud, headline statements. The Regular weight is functional, balanced and robust for text, and the lighter weights have an elegance and contemporary beauty.
FS Rosa is eclectic yet with its soft roundness, also positive and progressive. Its name, inspired by the phrase “rose-tinted glasses”, reflects its optimism.