Serif Other Hivo 2 is a regular weight, very wide, high contrast, upright, short x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, book covers, branding, dramatic, antique, theatrical, whimsical, storybook, display impact, period evocation, decorative texture, brand voice, flared serifs, ink traps, wedge terminals, bracketed serifs, calligraphic.
This typeface is a decorative serif with pronounced stroke modulation and a broad, open stance. Serifs and terminals are sharply flared and wedge-like, often forming pointed, slightly hooked ends that give the contours a carved, calligraphic feel. Curves show tight apertures and occasional notched joins, while rounds (O, C, o) read as heavy, dark ovals with crisp inner counters. Lowercase forms are compact with a small x-height and lively terminals; numerals are bold and sculptural, with strong thick–thin transitions and distinctive internal shaping (notably in 6, 8, and 9). Overall spacing feels generous, with glyphs carrying substantial sidebearings and an intentionally uneven, hand-cut rhythm.
It works best in headlines, titles, and short bursts of copy where its sculpted serifs and high-contrast rhythm can be appreciated. The face is well suited to posters, book covers, packaging, and brand marks that want an antique or storybook tone, and it can add personality to pull quotes or section openers when given ample size and spacing.
The font conveys an old-world, theatrical character—part antique bookface, part display poster—mixing formality with a slightly mischievous edge. The sharp wedges, inky dark spots, and animated terminals create a sense of drama and folklore rather than quiet neutrality.
The design appears intended to evoke a historic, engraved or hand-cut serif tradition while exaggerating terminals and contrast for display impact. Its wide proportions and animated detailing suggest a focus on character and recognizability over neutrality, aiming to create a distinctive, period-flavored voice.
In text settings the strong modulation and decorative terminals create pronounced texture, with conspicuous dark thicks and crisp hairline connections. The design’s distinctive terminals and notched joins are highly recognizable, but they also make the face feel more suited to expressive display use than to long, dense passages at small sizes.