Sans Other Ismaw 5 is a regular weight, normal width, low contrast, upright, short x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, packaging, editorial display, playful, retro, whimsical, informal, friendly, display impact, retro tone, friendly voice, distinctive branding, flared terminals, humanist, soft geometry, quirky, lively.
A stylized sans with gently tapered strokes and subtly flared terminals that create a carved, calligraphic edge without becoming a true serif. Forms lean on soft geometry—round bowls, open apertures, and slightly pinched joins—paired with occasional sharp, triangular cuts (notably in diagonals and some terminals). Proportions feel compact and a bit top-heavy, with small lowercase counters and a relatively modest x-height against tall ascenders. The overall rhythm is slightly irregular in a deliberate way, giving headings a distinctive, hand-shaped texture while keeping outlines clean and consistent.
Best used for headlines, subheads, logos, and short editorial bursts where its flared terminals and quirky silhouettes can be appreciated. It can also work well on packaging and branding systems that want a retro-leaning, friendly voice. For longer passages, it’s most effective at larger sizes where the compact counters and distinctive joins remain clear.
The face reads upbeat and characterful, with a mid-century/retro display flavor and a hint of storybook whimsy. Its tapered ends and lively silhouettes give text a warm, informal tone that feels more expressive than neutral, making it well-suited to designs that want personality without looking handwritten.
The design appears intended as an expressive display sans that borrows from carved and calligraphic cues—tapering, flaring, and sharp cut-ins—to add personality while retaining a broadly sans structure. It aims to stand out through silhouette and terminal behavior rather than through high contrast or overt ornamentation.
In running text, the distinctive terminals and varied internal shapes create a noticeable sparkle and a slightly bouncy cadence. The numerals and capitals share the same tapered, flared finishing, helping mixed-case settings feel cohesive for display use.