Gotham Variable: Monotype Expands Iconic Typeface for 25th Anniversary
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Monotype has introduced Gotham Variable, an updated iteration of the Gotham typeface. This new release transforms the fixed family into a seamless spectrum of weight and width, incorporating 54 intermediate styles. The initiative, spearheaded by Executive Creative Director Sara Soskolne, seeks to modernize the typeface for today's branding needs. Having dedicated nearly two decades to Gotham, Soskolne refers to her task as interpreting its 'dark matter.' Notably, the updated version features a Compact width that was absent from the 2009 expansion. Rather than launching a 'Gotham 2.0,' Monotype opted to enhance the original design. Gotham has been prominently featured in Barack Obama's campaign, Netflix, the U.S. Postal Service, and One World Trade Center.
Key facts
- Monotype launched Gotham Variable to mark the typeface's 25th anniversary.
- The new version adds 54 intermediate styles and expands Gotham into a continuous range of weight and width.
- Sara Soskolne, Monotype's Executive Creative Director, led the project.
- Gotham was originally created by Jonathan Hoefler and Tobias Frere-Jones.
- The Compact width is a new addition that Soskolne felt was missing from the 2009 expansion.
- Monotype decided the release would be an expansion, not a 'Gotham 2.0'.
- Gotham has been used in Barack Obama's presidential campaign, Netflix, the U.S. Postal Service, and One World Trade Center.
- Soskolne believes generative models could not replicate Gotham's design.
Entities
Artists
- Sara Soskolne
- Jonathan Hoefler
- Tobias Frere-Jones
Institutions
- Monotype
- GQ
- Obama Foundation
- Netflix
- U.S. Postal Service
- One World Trade Center
- PRINT Magazine
- Monotype Imaging Inc.
- Gentleman Quarterly (GQ)
- Coca-Cola
- Spotify
- Chanel
- Taco Bell
- Saturday Night Live
- United States Postal Service
- MoMA
- Port Authority Bus Terminal
Locations
- New York City
- United States