Seema Surana

Qila is a versatile humanist typeface rooted in the rich tradition of broad nib calligraphy. Developed with a keen eye on historical and contemporary influences, Qila encapsulates calligraphy’s fluidity and expressive quality while introducing modern structural elements that make it a robust and adaptable font family. This typeface comes in nine weights, including condensed, text and italics, and boasts an extended glyph set, making it a comprehensive tool for designers and typographers.

The journey of creating Qila began with a deep dive into the works of Hermann Zapf and Gudrun von Hesse, two legends of calligraphic design. Their masterpieces provided the initial spark of inspiration. Zapf’s precise, yet fluid forms and von Hesse’s innovative approaches to letterforms were particularly influential. From this foundation, the challenge was to build a typeface that paid homage to these calligraphic roots and introduced a greater sense of structure and versatility.

In the initial stages of development, broad nib calligraphy exercises were undertaken to capture the essence of fluid, hand-drawn letters. These exercises, completed in the first week of the course, laid the groundwork for Qila’s design. Each stroke and curve was analyzed and adapted to create a typeface that retained the organic feel of calligraphy while ensuring consistency and readability across different weights and styles.

One of the standout features of Qila is its black condensed version, a creative masterstroke that emerged from the exploration of the typeface’s potential. This version retains the characteristic features of Qila but tones down the flowy sections to achieve a more compact and impactful appearance. The black condensed version offers an interesting interpolation with the regular version, which is wider and more expansive. This interplay between the condensed and regular versions adds a dynamic range to Qila, making it suitable for various design contexts, from headlines and posters to body text.

An italics version of Qila was also developed to expand its versatility further. The italics maintain the structural integrity of the upright versions but introduce a more dynamic and fluid slant. This version also features alternates with long swashes, adding an extra layer of elegance and flair. These swashes are reminiscent of the original calligraphic exercises, bringing a touch of artistry and grace to the typeface.

Throughout its development, Qila has been crafted with attention to detail and a deep respect for calligraphy and type design traditions. The extended glyph set ensures that Qila can be used in a variety of languages and settings, enhancing its utility for international projects. Its nine weights, ranging from light to black and condensed and italics versions, provide designers with a comprehensive toolkit for diverse typographic needs.

In summary, Qila is more than just a typeface; it is a bridge between the art of calligraphy and the demands of modern typography. Its design is rooted in the rich heritage of Zapf and von Hesse’s calligraphy, yet it introduces a structured, versatile, and contemporary approach. With its wide range of weights, condensed options, and elegant italics, Qila is poised to become a valuable asset for designers seeking a typeface that marries tradition with innovation.

‍