Slab Contrasted Vado 3 is a very bold, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Neue Aachen' by ITC, 'Extra Old' by Mans Greback, 'Esyotu' by Twinletter, and 'LFT Etica Sheriff' by TypeTogether (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, editorial, signage, confident, industrial, retro, rugged, authoritative, impact, authority, display, durability, heritage, bracketed, blocky, ink-trap feel, high-impact, robust.
A heavy slab-serif with broad, squared proportions and strongly bracketed serifs that read as sturdy and block-like. Stems are thick with clearly articulated joins and a modest, visible stroke modulation that gives counters and curves a carved, editorial rhythm rather than a purely geometric one. The lowercase shows sturdy, compact forms with rounded terminals on curves and a pronounced, weighty shoulder structure; the overall texture is dense, with short apertures and firm horizontal emphasis. Figures are bold and poster-ready, with wide bowls on 8/9 and chunky, squared turns that keep the set cohesive at display sizes.
Best suited to headlines, subheads, and short display copy where its heavy slabs and dense color can carry impact. It can also work for editorial titling, pull quotes, and packaging or label typography that needs a robust, traditional-meets-industrial presence, and for signage where sturdy letterforms are desirable.
The font projects a confident, workmanlike tone—part newspaper headline, part industrial signage. Its weight and slab geometry feel assertive and dependable, with a slightly retro, old-style gravitas that suits bold statements and strong typographic hierarchy.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a classic slab-serif voice: strong horizontal anchoring, durable silhouettes, and enough modulation to keep large text lively and readable. It prioritizes bold presence and typographic authority over delicacy or minimalism.
Spacing appears deliberately tight and mass-forward, creating a dark, even color in lines of text. The serifs and bracketing soften the corners just enough to keep the design from feeling overly mechanical, while still maintaining a strong, squared silhouette.