Serif Normal Ibmav 10 is a bold, normal width, medium contrast, upright, short x-height font.
Keywords: book text, editorial, headlines, posters, branding, traditional, scholarly, formal, literary, readability, tradition, authority, print focus, editorial tone, bracketed, oldstyle, calligraphic, robust, sturdy.
A robust serif with bracketed wedge-like serifs and a noticeably calligraphic stroke model. Curves are full and rounded, while joins and terminals show subtle tapering and sheared angles that add texture without becoming decorative. Proportions feel classical, with compact lowercase bodies, relatively large capitals, and moderate aperture shapes that keep counters open. Numerals and punctuation match the same sturdy, slightly oldstyle rhythm, giving text a dense but steady color on the page.
Well suited to long-form reading in books and editorial layouts where a classic serif texture is desired. It also performs strongly in headlines, posters, and title treatments that need a traditional, authoritative tone with substantial presence. The sturdy letterforms make it a good option for branding in heritage, academic, or cultural contexts.
The overall tone is traditional and bookish, with a confident, institutional presence. Its warm, slightly hand-influenced details suggest heritage publishing and academic seriousness rather than sleek modernity. The boldness and strong serifs contribute to an authoritative, dependable voice.
The design appears intended as a conventional, print-oriented serif that balances classic proportions with sturdy, contemporary boldness. Its goal seems to be dependable readability paired with a historical, scholarly character, making it adaptable across both text and display applications.
In text, the design produces a pronounced vertical rhythm and a dark, even typographic color, helped by strong stems and rounded counters. The combination of wedge serifs and subtle stroke modulation gives headings and pull quotes a classic, engraved-like firmness while remaining clearly readable.