Serif Other Ertu 4 is a regular weight, wide, very high contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Lust' and 'Lust Didone' by Positype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, mastheads, posters, branding, packaging, fashion, theatrical, dramatic, editorial, luxury, display impact, couture feel, ornamental flair, brand distinctiveness, calligraphic, swashy, sharp, sculpted, curvy.
A stylized serif italic with extreme thick–thin modulation and a distinctly sculpted, cut-in look. Strokes often terminate in needle-like points and tapered, blade-shaped serifs, while bowls and curves show deep ink traps and teardrop-like counters that create a carved, high-drama rhythm. The italic slant is consistent, with wide capitals and lively, irregular detailing that makes each glyph feel individually shaped rather than purely geometric. Lowercase forms include pronounced entry/exit flicks and occasional ball terminals, giving the texture a decorative, calligraphic edge.
Best used for display typography such as magazine headlines, brand marks, event posters, and product packaging where the dramatic contrast and sharp detailing can be appreciated. It can also work for short pull quotes or titling, especially when paired with a quieter text face for body copy.
The overall tone is bold and couture-leaning—evoking fashion mastheads, high-end packaging, and theatrical titles. Its sharp contrast and ornamental stress read as confident and performative, with a slightly mysterious, gothic-tinged elegance.
The font appears intended to reinterpret classic high-contrast serif italics with an expressive, decorative construction—amplifying calligraphic motion and adding carved notches, pointed terminals, and sculptural counters to create a distinctive, statement-making voice.
The design relies on fine hairlines and internal cutouts for its character, so it benefits from generous sizes and comfortable spacing. In longer passages the distinctive notches and spurs become a strong texture, making it better suited to display settings than sustained reading.