RL Grot

Inspired by early 20th-century designs like Franklin Gothic by Morris Fuller Benton and Grotesk No. 9 by Eleisha Pechey, RL Grot forges its own path, pushing contrast and embracing East-European vernacular influences. With a wide weight range from Hairline to Black, RL Grot balances compact proportions and tight spacing, particularly in its heaviest weights. Distinctive features, such as the simplified base of ‘t’, the confidently stepping left stem of ‘M’, and the egg-shaped forms of ‘U’, ‘o’, and ‘0’, highlight its character. Other nuances include emphasized shoulders on ‘h’, ‘m,’ and ‘n’, as well as the weight distribution in ‘c’ and ‘e’, which soften the strong vertical rhythm typical of headline type. While RL Grot excels in headlines and large sizes, its relaxed proportions in lighter weights make it equally suitable for extended text. This typeface strikes a balance between mechanical precision and humanist warmth — maybe it’s a “halfway grotesk,” maybe that’s why it’s the Grot. [radluka.com]