Shadow Ifji 3 is a light, normal width, very high contrast, upright, tall x-height font.
Keywords: posters, headlines, signage, packaging, logos, vintage, showcard, playful, bold, decorative, dimensionality, retro display, attention grabbing, sign lettering, outlined, inline, drop shadow, slab serif, bracketed serifs.
A decorative serif with outlined, hollowed letterforms and an offset shadow that reads like a separate layer. The design uses chunky slab-style serifs and sturdy vertical stems, while counters and interior spaces are left open, creating a crisp stencil-like fill that keeps the forms airy. Curves are smooth and slightly bracketed into stems, and terminals often finish with small ball or teardrop-like details in letters such as C, G, S, and 2/3. The shadow consistently sits to one side and below, giving the glyphs a dimensional, sign-painter feel with strong edge definition and clear silhouette at display sizes.
Best suited to headlines, posters, signage, and branding moments where the outlined forms and offset shadow can read clearly. It works well for packaging, event promotions, and retro-themed graphics that benefit from a dimensional, printed look. For smaller sizes or dense paragraphs, the interior hollows and shadow detail are likely to lose clarity, so display applications will showcase it most effectively.
The overall tone feels nostalgic and theatrical, evoking classic poster lettering, carnival signage, and mid-century advertising. The hollow construction keeps it lively and bright, while the shadow adds drama and a sense of physical depth. It comes across as friendly and attention-seeking rather than formal, with a playful swagger in the curves and decorative terminals.
The font appears designed to deliver immediate impact with a layered, three-dimensional effect while keeping the letterforms open and legible. The combination of slab-like structure, hollow interiors, and a consistent shadow suggests an intention to mimic classic showcard and letterpress-inspired display typography.
Spacing appears tuned for display settings, with prominent serifs and shadow shapes that can visually close gaps in tighter text. The numerals are especially characterful, with swashy curves in 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9, and a bold, sign-like 1. The ampersand is highly stylized and compact, matching the poster aesthetic.