Distressed Rolus 14 is a bold, narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: posters, headlines, packaging, signage, book covers, vintage, poster, rustic, loud, gritty, aged print, heritage feel, impactful display, tactile texture, serifed, bracketed, weathered, ink-trap, compressed.
A compact, serifed display face with sturdy, dark strokes and bracketed, wedge-like serifs. Letterforms are slightly condensed with tight counters and a punchy vertical rhythm, while subtle edge wear and small nicks create an uneven, printed texture rather than smooth outlines. Curves are firm and somewhat squared-off, terminals feel cut and chiseled, and the overall silhouette reads as robust and attention-grabbing. Numerals match the same heavy presence, with the distressing consistently applied across the set.
Best suited for short-form display typography such as posters, headlines, labels, and signage where the worn texture can be appreciated. It also works well for packaging and editorial cover treatments that want a historic or handcrafted print feel. For longer passages, it performs more comfortably at larger sizes where counters and the distressed edges remain clear.
The font projects a vintage, workmanlike tone—part old poster, part shop-stamp—where the roughened texture suggests age, ink spread, or worn letterpress printing. It feels assertive and nostalgic, with a gritty authenticity that leans toward Americana and Western-leaning ephemera without becoming ornamental.
The design appears intended to evoke sturdy, traditional serif typography that has been physically printed and handled—maintaining classic proportions and strong structure while adding controlled wear to produce a lived-in, tactile impression.
In text settings the texture remains visible and adds character, but the small internal breaks and tight counters can visually thicken at smaller sizes or on low-resolution outputs. The distressed detailing is subtle enough to read as print wear rather than heavy grunge, helping it stay legible while still delivering a tactile surface.