Serif Contrasted Viva 3 is a very bold, normal width, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'FS Ostro' and 'FS Ostro Variable' by Fontsmith and 'Brim Narrow' by Jamie Clarke Type (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, magazine, posters, branding, luxury, dramatic, classic, authoritative, display impact, premium tone, editorial style, classic elegance, vertical stress, hairline serifs, unbracketed, ball terminals, teardrop terminals.
A display-oriented serif with strong vertical stress and sharply modulated strokes: thick, weighty stems paired with extremely fine hairlines. Serifs are crisp and largely unbracketed, with pointed, wedge-like finishes and delicate cross-strokes that can nearly disappear at smaller sizes. The curves show smooth, sculpted transitions and a slightly calligraphic flavor, reinforced by frequent ball/teardrop terminals (notably on letters like a, f, g, j, r). Capitals read tall and assertive, while the lowercase maintains a moderate x-height with compact counters and a tight, punchy rhythm.
Best suited for headlines, magazine covers, pull quotes, and branding where contrast and refinement are assets. It can also work for invitations and packaging that benefit from a premium, classical voice, while extended small text may require careful sizing and spacing to avoid losing the delicate details.
The overall tone is formal and theatrical, evoking fashion/editorial typography and classic print prestige. The high contrast and razor serifs create a sense of luxury and seriousness, while the rounded terminals add a touch of elegance rather than austerity.
The font appears designed to deliver a bold, high-fashion serif look with dramatic contrast and precise detailing, prioritizing impact and elegance over neutrality. Its sculpted terminals and crisp serifs aim to create a distinctive, premium presence in display typography.
The design is happiest when given space: generous tracking and solid size help preserve the hairlines and fine serifs. Numerals carry the same engraved, high-contrast language, with lively curves and pronounced stroke modulation that reinforces a headline feel.