Slab Contrasted Tila 12 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Archer' by Hoefler & Co., 'Silica' by Stone Type Foundry, and 'Carot Slab' by Storm Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, headlines, signage, packaging, branding, western, rugged, friendly, retro, playful, impact, nostalgia, approachability, bracketed, bulky, rounded, soft-cornered, punchy.
A heavy, slab-serif display face with chunky proportions and softly rounded corners throughout. Strokes are broadly even with subtle modulation, and the serifs read as thick, strongly bracketed slabs that widen the footprint of each letter. Counters are compact and openings are tight, creating a dense, poster-like texture. The lowercase is sturdy and simplified, with single-storey forms where expected (notably the “a”), while the numerals match the same blocky, rounded-shoulder construction for consistent color across mixed text.
Best suited to display settings such as posters, large headlines, storefront or event signage, and packaging where a strong, characterful slab can carry the message. It can also work for branding and labels that want a vintage or rustic imprint, especially in short bursts rather than long passages.
The overall tone feels bold and approachable, with a rugged, nostalgic character that nods to old-time printing and signage. Its softened geometry keeps it from feeling severe, giving it a friendly, slightly playful voice even at very heavy weight.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a sturdy slab-serif voice, combining bold, ink-trap-free shapes and rounded terminals to stay legible and inviting in attention-grabbing applications.
Spacing appears generous and the silhouettes are highly distinctive, which helps short phrases and headlines stand out. At smaller sizes, the tight apertures and dense counters may reduce clarity, so it reads best when given room and scale.