Sans Contrasted Elme 12 is a bold, normal width, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, editorial, packaging, art deco, theatrical, quirky, elegant, retro, display impact, period evoke, stylized contrast, distinctive rhythm, chiseled, calligraphic, high-waisted, flared strokes, sculptural.
A display sans with sculpted, high-contrast letterforms that alternate between hefty vertical stems and hairline connectors. Many curves are built from flat-sided, chamfered arcs, giving round shapes (C, O, G, Q) a faceted, cut-out look rather than a purely geometric bowl. Terminals often finish as small wedges or tapered points, and joins can feel intentionally abrupt, emphasizing a carved, poster-like rhythm. Proportions are mixed: some letters are wide and blocky (W, M), while others are narrower with delicate interior strokes, creating an animated texture across words and lines.
Best suited to headlines, titles, and short passages where its contrast and sculptural forms can read clearly—such as posters, magazine spreads, event materials, and brand identities. It can work well on packaging or signage when set large, where the faceted curves and tapered terminals become a defining graphic element.
The overall tone reads vintage and dramatic, with a cabaret/Art Deco flavor that feels both refined and slightly mischievous. The sharp hairlines and chunky stems create a sense of glamour and tension, while the unconventional terminals and occasional asymmetries add personality and a handmade, theatrical edge.
The font appears designed to deliver a bold, period-evocative display voice by combining sans foundations with dramatic contrast and carved, geometric curves. Its intention is more expressive than utilitarian, aiming for memorable word-shapes and a distinctive rhythm in large-scale typography.
The design relies heavily on stroke contrast, so spacing and counters become visually prominent—open counters in letters like e, a, and s help maintain clarity, while hairline joins can appear especially light at small sizes. Numerals follow the same cut-and-taper logic, with distinctive curved figures (notably 2, 3, and 9) that lean toward decorative display styling rather than neutral text forms.