Distressed Semi 8 is a very bold, normal width, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Aspira' by Durotype, 'Seitu' by FSD, 'Devinyl' by Nootype, 'Almarose' by S&C Type, 'Infoma' by Stawix, 'Mundial Narrow' by TipoType, and 'TT Norms Pro' by TypeType (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, headlines, packaging, apparel, album covers, rugged, playful, retro, punchy, handmade, impact, texture, vintage print, rugged signage, handmade feel, blocky, rounded, stenciled, weathered, blotchy.
A heavy, block-oriented sans with broad proportions and compact counters. The letterforms mix squared construction with softened, rounded corners, and many strokes terminate in beveled or wedge-like cuts that give a subtly stenciled, cut-paper feel. Distress is applied as irregular chipping, roughened edges, and small interior nicks, creating uneven ink density and a worn printing texture. Uppercase forms are sturdy and geometric, while lowercase keeps simple, single-storey shapes and short extenders for a tight, headline-friendly rhythm. Numerals follow the same chunky construction, with consistent distress and bold silhouettes that remain recognizable at a glance.
Works best for short, high-impact typography such as posters, titles, and display copy where the worn texture can be appreciated. It also suits packaging, labels, apparel graphics, and album or event branding that benefits from a rugged, printed-by-hand tone.
The texture and blunt geometry convey a gritty, poster-like energy that feels industrial and streetwise, while the rounded massing keeps it approachable rather than severe. Overall it reads as bold, handmade, and slightly nostalgic, like worn signage or screen-printed merch.
Designed to deliver a bold display voice with an intentionally worn surface, combining solid geometric silhouettes with distressed details to evoke aged print, rough-cut lettering, and hardworking signage.
The distress pattern appears intentionally inconsistent across edges and counters, adding movement and a tactile feel in running text. Tight interior spaces and heavy joins suggest it will look best with comfortable tracking and at sizes where the weathering remains visible rather than clogging.