Slab Contrasted Semo 3 is a very bold, wide, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Forbes' by Linotype; 'Amasis', 'Eponymous', and 'Prumo Slab' by Monotype; 'Mediator Serif' by ParaType; 'LFT Etica Sheriff' by TypeTogether; and 'Clarendon' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, headlines, packaging, signage, editorial display, western, poster, friendly, nostalgic, confident, impact, vintage flavor, signage feel, readable display, brand presence, chunky, blocky, bracketed, softened, ink-trap-like.
A heavy, display-oriented slab serif with broad proportions and tightly packed counters. The serifs are bold and mostly rectangular with subtle bracketing, giving the letterforms a carved, sturdy feel rather than a sharp mechanical one. Strokes show noticeable thick–thin modulation for a slab, with rounded joins and small interior notches that read like ink-trap-like cut-ins in places, helping keep apertures from closing at weight. Uppercase forms are big and blocky with generous slabs, while the lowercase keeps strong vertical emphasis, compact bowls, and weighty terminals that maintain a consistent, punchy rhythm across text.
This font is well suited to posters, headlines, and short bursts of copy where a bold, vintage slab presence is desirable. It can work effectively for packaging, signage, and brand marks that want a classic Western or old-time editorial flavor, especially when set with generous tracking or in larger sizes.
The overall tone feels Western and vintage, like classic poster and storefront lettering—assertive, approachable, and a bit playful. Its mass and soft detailing project confidence and warmth rather than austerity, making it feel suited to attention-grabbing headlines with a nostalgic accent.
The design appears intended to deliver a strong, attention-first slab serif that nods to historic display wood-type and Western sign styles while staying readable through careful shaping of counters and terminals. Its combination of chunky slabs, moderated contrast, and softened details suggests a focus on impactful display typography that still holds together in multi-word settings.
The figures are bold and simplified, matching the letterforms’ strong slab structure and making them read clearly at large sizes. In running text the density is high, so the face benefits from ample size and breathing room to preserve interior detail and word shapes.