RISD Serif and RISD Sans
Description
In developing a new identity system for RISD, Gretel anchored the identity framework to this core visual concept of ‘Complete / Incomplete’ which inspired and informed the design of the custom typography.
After an extensive formal exploration, a custom superfamily of typefaces was drawn by a RISD alum, Ryan Bugden (GD 14), who worked closely with the RISD and Gretel teams throughout its development.
RISD’s new type family consists of RISD Serif and RISD Sans. Serif ranges from Complete to Incomplete and harmonizes with the rich history of the school, the architecture of Providence, and the updated RISD seal. Each distinct level of completion functions comfortably at headline sizes and features a full range of weights and corresponding italics. RISD Sans is a utilitarian contrast, serving as a straightforward, neutral undertone. RISD’s custom typefaces contain the tensions that define the school: expression and utility, past and future, complete and incomplete.
