The Calligraphic Griffo project is the result of an intense and passionate journey undertaken during the 5th Edition of the Advanced Training Course in Type Design at the Politecnico di Milano. After months spent deeply immersed in the world of typography—exploring its history, visual, and technical characteristics—this alphabet represents the synthesis of the knowledge acquired and my personal interpretation of the legacy left by Francesco Griffo, one of the pioneers of Italian typography.

Griffo, known for his collaboration with the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius, is universally recognized as the inventor of italic type, an invention that marked an era and had a lasting influence on the art of typography. The movable type series he created revolutionized the printing world, setting new standards of beauty and functionality.

My alphabet, named Calligraphic Griffo, draws inspiration from this tradition, but with a contemporary twist. The letters feature serifs and a very small x-height, while the descenders are longer than usual, giving the typeface a distinctive grace. With a 10° slant and medium contrast between the letters, combined with regular weight, the result is a harmonious and elegant typeface. The beautiful ligatures that characterize Calligraphic Griffo make it an ideal choice for those seeking a font that blends tradition with modernity.

This project is not only a tribute to Francesco Griffo and his revolutionary typographic vision but also a creative exercise that explores the expressive potential of contemporary design while keeping the legacy of the masters of the past alive.

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