Typophile

Pairing With Electra

TEC

Hi everyone,

I’ve taken to using Dwiggins’ ‘Electra’ rather extensively. For the past few months I’ve been trying to find a sans pairing for it, without much luck. I think my problem is that I’m going about it the wrong way.

I’m looking for something like Futura Bold. The problem with Futura Bold/Electra is that the x-heights are really different, and next to the restrained elegance of Electra, Futura Bold looks a bit like an uncultured brute. Which isn’t necessarily bad. But it just doesn’t look good.

I welcome suggestions for energetic sans-serifs, but more than that, I’m looking for a suggestion of a methodology. How do I go about finding a pairing that makes visual, historical, and ideological sense, while providing enough contrast?

Thank you in advance.

Si_Daniels

http://www.dafont.com/pr-agamemnon.font

Aaron Thesing

sii, you made me grin.

My more serious and completely unfunny suggestion is the recently-released Brandon Grotesque.

Brandon may have some of the restrained elegance and warmth you seek. It's roman also has a binocular 'g' like Electra.

As for your later questions, check out these threads if you haven't already.

James Montalbano

In my previous life I did a lot of magazine redesign, and I paired Electra with Trade Gothic for one such project, and I think it worked quite well. Visually and historically.

James M

Nick Shinn

I used it as the text face, paired with Scala Sans, in the design of a computer graphics magazine 10 years ago.
e.g. Diggin' It?!

TEC

Thanks a lot for the replies – I’ve been away from my computer a lot due to personal issues.

I’ll get a chance to browse through your answers and continue the discussion later in the week.

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