Masqualero was designed by Jim Ford and published by Monotype. Masqualero contains 14 styles and family package options.
The Masqualero family is a versatile solution for a deep and broad range of applications. In large sizes, the heavier designs are dark and handsome, while the lighter weights are charming and friendly in text copy. Thanks to its many variations and distinctive demeanor, both print and interactive designers will find that Masqualero expands their creative options, while setting the perfect tone to catch and hold readers’ attention.
It’s About the Design
Like the legendary jazz song of the same name, Masqualero is haunting and sophisticated. Drawn as a tribute to Miles Davis, its letterforms are as beautiful as his “Masqualero” composition. “I approached drawing the letters as if they were marble sculptures,” Says Jim Ford about his typeface. “Many sharp, black, modern sculptures filling a large park. All of them created with the same qualities – the flair of Miles’ electric funk and rock sounds, the sparkly smooth finish and serifs like trumpet bells, the sweet lyricism and the tone and clarity of Miles’ horn.”
What’s Available
With six weights and italics, in addition to Stencil and Groove display designs, Masqualero is available as a suite of OpenType Pro fonts, providing for the automatic insertion of small caps, ligatures and alternate characters. Pro fonts also offer an extended character set supporting most Central European and many Eastern European languages.
Thoughts About Use
A book or album cover set in the Masqualero design sends a message: what’s inside is of value. Like jazz, the Masqualero typeface takes ordinary basic concepts and slips them into something special. Readers take notice and immediately recognize that what they’re viewing is a cut above – and radiates quality. “I see Masqualero as a luxurious typeface for exquisite typography,” says Ford. “I wouldn’t use it to sell toys or hot dogs. Masqualero sells diamonds, boats, real estate and champagne.”
Perfect Pairings
Antique Olive
Neue Kabel®
Neue Frutiger®
Quire Sans
Trade Gothic®