Here's a better image.

The exaggerated inktraps made me think of Amplitude, but that's not it.

Shades of Eunuverse.

Dear Drmns,

This is RETINA by Johnathan Hoefler. The package was designed by Scott Stowell at Open. RETINA was used for the Art:21 identity before it was mutated into an Agate. I thought everyone knew this story.

Do I win a prize?

Sincerely,
Randolph T. Burke

No prize, Randolph. Just the satisfaction of helping your fellow man and, occasionally, their gratitude (no guarantees there, though).

Thanks, all.

I'm a simple layperson in these matters but looking at the WSJ financial pages in Retina on the Hoefler site, the font in "art:21" doesn't look the same...

It could belong to the same family, with the "art:21" being an extended cousin of the condensed Agate. I'll check with H&FJ as soon as I can.

Dear Bald Condensed,

No need to bother Johnathan and his staff. They are very busy right now. I'm sure that you saw the big announcement several weeks ago.

To find definitive information regarding Art:21 and RETINA, perform a Google query for those terms. Or simply check the Open web presence. Check the "we are" "network" section about HTF. I would post a link but I cannot figure out how to do so here.

RETINA is a large family. I refer you to the May/June 2004 "Communication Arts" article about HTF for more details.

How do I change the title of this section of the Forums to indicate that this typeface has been correctly identified?

Sincerely,
Randolph T. Burke

"No need to bother Johnathan and his staff. They are very busy right now."

This is kind of a funny comment. H&FJ are always busy. If they are too busy or uninterested to answer an email about their work, they won't. No harm done.

> How do I change the title of this section of the Forums to indicate that this typeface has been correctly identified?

No need. I'm da widdle elf who takes care of all that. ;^)

BTW Randolph, I didn't want to sound like I was questioning you, but it is my "duty" as a moderator to double-check every identification before I tag and credit the thread. :^)

Dear Bald Condensed,

No offense was taken by me and I certainly hope none was taken by you. I did not intend to give the impression that I was trying to stymie your efforts to provide a validated identification to our friend Drmns. I have spoken with Johnathan recently and he mentioned that they are very busy with EXCHANGE. I simply was trying to help you ferret out the truth in a timely manner. If any offense was taken by you, I offer my most sincere apologies. My colloquial expressions often get in the way of my meaning.

If facts are what you are after, I have a handful of leads for you:
- The two sources I previously mentioned are relevant to this discussion.
- Check with Scott Stowell at Open. He commissioned the font. I am sure that he will offer good information since he has been a friend of Johnathan's since before Jonathan shared that tiny office with Barry Deck. My goodness! What a scene that was!
- If my memory is correct, this particular version of RETINA was shown as an example of Tobias' work in the TDC Annual in 2001. I believe that the caption mentioned Art:21. I could be mistaken on that last point. I do not have this annual anymore, but you should look into it.
- Do check with H&FJ. They are busy but they are also very generous. They will eventually reply to your inquiry. Please tell them I said hello.

Do you go through such extensive lengths to validate all type identifications in this forum? Impressive! Thank you for all your hard work!

Do you know what Stephen finds funny about my earlier comment? I think he is making a joke at my expense.

Sincerely,
Randolph T. Burke

> I think he is making a joke at my expense.

I don't think so :^)

Hey Randolph, thanks for the extra information, much appreciated. No offense taken, none given, rest assured.

> Do check with H&FJ. They are busy but they are also very generous. They will eventually reply to your inquiry. Please tell them I said hello.

I know, Jonathan usually replies when I ask him something on iChat. I'll tell him you said hello next time I talk to him. ;^)

> Do you go through such extensive lengths to validate all type identifications in this forum? Impressive! Thank you for all your hard work!

Why, thank you, you're far too kind, I aim to serve. It's a pleasure to be able to give something back to the community. The crowd here is very friendly and helpful -- I don't know if I'd do the same voluntary work for any other board. And hey, it's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. ;^)

> Do you know what Stephen finds funny about my earlier comment? I think he is making a joke at my expense.

I can assure you that Stephen is far too gracious a person to do such a thing. As my predecessor as head moderator of this board, he thought me everything about having a patient, kind and generally more mature online persona (though I sometimes still have a slip of the tongue I must confess).

Hey Randolph. I don't mean to laugh at you. I just thought the notion of leaving H&FJ alone was odd. Thank you for bringing your knowledge to the board!

Hi Randolph & co,

Thanks for the kind words. I shouldn't let this get any farther without pointing out that Retina is Tobias' work, not mine. And Exchange, coincidentally enough (also from TFJ), makes its debut this very morning in the redesinged Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB116767372393163913-HkYO2RxH5RcJtN...

Enjoy!

Jonathan

Thanks Jonathan for chiming in. :^)

Dr. Solny, I'm not at liberty to show anything (yet) but I can confirm from the weight and width overview Jonathan sent me -- after I pointed him to this thread -- that this is the E-width of Retina, most probably the E3 weight.

Many thanks to all!