Distressed Itgem 9 is a very bold, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: posters, headlines, album art, halloween, zines, grunge, horror, punk, comic, handmade, evoke wear, add texture, create impact, signal diy, ragged, blobby, inked, eroded, torn.
A heavy, ink-saturated display face with irregular, eroded outlines and lumpy contours that give each letter a cut-out or stamped feel. Strokes stay broadly consistent in weight but show frequent notches, drips, and bite-like intrusions along edges and counters, creating a rough print texture. Proportions are compact with rounded corners and slightly uneven baselines and sidebearings, producing an intentionally unruly rhythm. Counters are often small and asymmetrical, and the overall silhouette reads as bold, compact shapes with distressed detail rather than clean geometry.
Best suited for short, high-impact text such as headlines, posters, event flyers, packaging callouts, and cover art where texture is an asset. It works especially well for seasonal or themed graphics (e.g., spooky, gritty, underground) and informal branding that wants a rough, handmade voice. For long passages, use generous size and spacing to preserve legibility.
The font conveys a gritty, mischievous energy with a slightly macabre edge—suggesting worn posters, spooky titles, and DIY graphics. Its rough texture and chunky forms feel loud and attention-seeking, balancing a playful, cartoonish menace with raw, street-level attitude.
The design appears intended to mimic battered ink or worn display lettering—like a rough stamp, screenprint, or heavily inked hand-cut title—prioritizing texture and attitude over typographic cleanliness. Its consistent bold massing suggests a purposeful balance: strong silhouettes for instant recognition, with distressed detailing to communicate grit and theme.
At larger sizes the distressed perimeter texture becomes a defining feature, while at smaller sizes the tiny nicks and narrow counters can visually fill in. The numerals and uppercase maintain the same rugged treatment, keeping a consistent, poster-like tone across the set.