A complete contrast to the idea of “dynamic,” tranquility is serene and
slow, almost static—think warm milk or the gentle lap of waves on a
beach. Tranquility is nonconfrontational and restful, inviting the viewer
to ponder, to daydream, lulling them into a relaxed state of ease. Far
from dull or boring, tranquil typefaces and colors seduce with a kind
of rich smoothness and integrated form.
Magazine Cover
top, and detail, bottom
Time, Inc.
Martyn Thompson,
photographer
New York City USA
Tranquil
Moods
16
Considering typefaces in an effort to produce a restful state is a difficult
affair, as type, in its linear, rhythmic quality, is predominantly active.
While it often comes down to countering this surface activity by tinting
the type to a lighter density, or spacing the type more loosely to create
a slower reading rhythm, there are a selection of typefaces that, in their
inherent form, are far more tranquil than others. These include semibold
or even heavy script faces with an extremely low x-height—in which the
up-and-down motion of the strokes is reduced in favor of a sloping, side-
ways motion—as well as moderately extended sans-serif faces with sloping
shoulders, more elliptical bowls, and open apertures. Too extended, and
the stylized quality of the horizontal movement becomes self-conscious
and extreme, decreasing the tranquil aspect of the face. Serif faces with
slightly extended proportions, low contrast, and slow ductus are also rela-
tively inactive, producing a gentle motion through a line of text.
(Provision) Type Style Finder
CL905.042 / 4237
2 TSF_MOOD 1R_016–055_.qxd 9/13/05 6:51 PM Page 16