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Ionic No5 is a refresh of a classic Linotype Clarendon-style serif, another restored classic from the Monotype library, much like the recent updates to Walbaum and Helvetica Now. The original typeface was designed to be printed and read at small sizes, popular with newspapers in the 20th Century at its birth. The restoration and refinement of this typeface has bestowed a greater sense of clarity and directness, smartly stylish, and an utterly captivating appeal.
Because these styles were so popular for books and newspapers for so long we associate them with being editorial or bookish, not dull, but thoughtful. Designers today can use that association to their advantage as a visual shortcut to convey similar meaning and tone. More attention was given on modernising the typeface with precious use and the introduction of sharp edges & finishes.
The thinnest weights can give a dancing typewriter aesthetic, being low stroke contrast. The heavy weights have an unquestionable presence on the page. Overall, the typeface has a richness and almost illustrative quality about it. The true depth of Ionic No.5 could enable each weight to be a poster by itself.