Serif Other Ertu 3 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Didonesque Ghost' and 'Didonesque Stencil' by Monotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, magazine covers, posters, branding, packaging, fashion, dramatic, luxury, editorial, theatrical, stand out, add drama, express luxury, editorial voice, signature look, calligraphic, swashy, engraved, sharp, sculpted.
A high-contrast italic serif with a sculptural, cut-paper feel created by sharp wedges and triangular notches where strokes meet. The heavy strokes are broad and dark, while the thins collapse to hairlines that often appear as slanted incisions rather than continuous outlines. Serifs are pointed and blade-like, with frequent tapered terminals and occasional swash-like flourishes, especially in the lowercase. Curves and bowls show deliberate internal cuts that create flashing highlights and a distinctive rhythm across words.
Best suited to large display settings such as headlines, cover lines, posters, and brand marks where the high contrast and carved details can be appreciated. It can add a luxe, boutique tone to packaging and identity work, and performs especially well when given generous spacing and simple surrounding typography.
The overall tone is glamorous and attention-seeking, mixing classic fashion-editorial elegance with a slightly edgy, theatrical bite. The sharp notches and razor thins add a sense of drama and sophistication, making the face feel curated and stylized rather than neutral.
The letterforms appear intended to reinterpret an italic serif through extreme contrast and intentional cut-in details, prioritizing personality and visual sparkle over plain readability. It’s designed to stand out in short bursts of text, delivering a distinctive signature in editorial and brand-forward contexts.
Word shapes lean strongly forward and feel energetic; the darkest masses dominate, while the hairline details read as sparkle at larger sizes. The design’s distinctive incisions are a defining feature and can become visually busy if set too small or too tightly spaced.