Jt Picolo is a variable typeface that blends the elegance of 19th-century Grotesque typefaces with a contemporary touch. The research explored high-contrast Grotesque typefaces from the 19th century, with a focus on noteworthy examples like the Breede Grotesque from Van der Wiel & Hooijer te Arnhem in 1875 and its subsequent iteration by the Amsterdam-based type foundry, Tetterode. The design philosophy centers on blending historical references with contemporary solutions. For instance, in aspects such as letter proportions, including the height of the x-height, width, or terminal endings, we were curious about which references to retain or discard to transform Picolo into a dynamic and adaptable tool suitable for various applications. During the early stages of design, we retained numerous references to the sources.

Particularly, we cherished the lower-case double-story letters /g and /r, which stood out prominently. However, as these references proved most effective for display sizes, we moved historical references into alternates. If you desire a more playful version of Picolo, explore alternates in the OpenType features. Whether improving printed designs or fitting smoothly into digital spaces, it shows its practical strength and effectiveness in various design situations. The typeface extends its functionality by providing Cyrillic support, catering to a broader range of users. Simply put, Jt Picolo is a tribute to the timeless appeal of 19th-century Grotesque fonts, blending historical elegance with modern design needs. Its dedication to inclusivity is clear in its support for Cyrillic, making it a versatile and powerful tool for a global audience.