Serif Other Ilmar 2 is a bold, very narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: posters, headlines, packaging, signage, logotypes, victorian, circus, old-timey, playful, folksy, vintage cueing, theatrical display, compact impact, ornamental serif, bracketed, flared, high-waisted, bulb terminals, spurred.
A decorative serif with compressed proportions, tall capitals, and a lively, uneven rhythm. Strokes show noticeable modulation with tapered joins and flared, bracketed serifs that often end in small spurs or beak-like terminals. Curves are slightly pinched and wedge-driven, giving counters a compact, vertical feel, while diagonals and joins (notably in letters like K, R, and W) carry an engraved, hand-cut sensibility. Numerals and lowercase share the same condensed stance, with rounded forms tightened and verticals emphasized for a strong, poster-like silhouette.
Best suited to headlines, posters, branding marks, and packaging where a vintage or theatrical voice is desired. It works well for short phrases, titles, and signage-style settings, especially when you want compact line lengths without losing impact. For longer text, it is most effective at generous sizes with ample leading.
The overall tone reads theatrical and nostalgic, evoking turn-of-the-century display lettering used for circus bills, saloon signage, and Victorian-era advertising. Its sharp spurs and swelling terminals add a mischievous, storybook energy that feels more showman-like than formal.
The design appears intended as a characterful display serif that compresses letterforms for strong vertical presence while adding period-style spurs, beaks, and bracketed serifs to signal heritage and spectacle. Its goal is visual personality and instant era-cueing rather than neutral readability.
Spacing and letterfit appear designed for display: the condensed width and prominent serifs create strong word shapes, but the animated terminals and narrow counters can make dense passages feel busy at smaller sizes. The design maintains consistent decorative detailing across uppercase, lowercase, and figures, helping mixed-case settings look cohesive.