29LT ZARID Display: A Contrasted Typeface

Zarid Display is bold by nature and extreme in character which makes it perfect for display purposes. Its’ evident strong contrast between the thick and thin pen strokes is abrupt and dramatic. However, the application of this contrast had to be applied differently on the distinctive Arabic and Latin scripts since they stem from different calligraphic routes. The concept of transition from a broad-nibbed pen to a pointed-pen in order to achieve the desired contrast doesn’t apply to the Arabic letterforms as it does to the Latin complements. In Arabic, the writing notion is “translation with rotation” using only the “qalam” that is similar to the broad-nibbed pen. The writing theory in the Latin is based either on the broad-nibbed pen (translation principle) or the pointed-pen (expansion principle).

Consequently, not all the Arabic glyphs acquired a thin pen stroke as in the Latin letterforms. The thin strokes in the Arabic script are only applied to the letters that contain right slanted teeth in their anatomy. The other letters with typography bowls, heads, eyes, arms, legs, bellies, tails, etc… only acquired high contrast in their structure.

It retains a balance between calligraphic angular cuts and unadorned construction. The contrast in the letters was coupled with strong cuts and edges to give the font its vigorous attitude. The letterforms are inspired by calligraphic makeup but drawn in a modern-day feel. The Arabic ligatures and elongated stylistic sets give the typeface more calligraphic characteristics. These were meant to provide the script’s robustness, and robust is, after all, what Zarid means.

The design approach, with open counters, the terminals, and finials, and the weight and contrast, are all elements that bring the Arabic and Latin scripts together. Which is no surprise as both scripts were created in synergy and were inspired by each other simultaneously.