TP Sky SemiClassic

Overview

TP Sky SemiClassic is a typeface developed with the aim to improve the balance between the readability and aesthetics of Japanese sans-serif to the utmost limits. Based on the clear, bright design and concise outlines appropriate for screen display, which fit the design philosophy common to the TP Sky family, the adjustment of the attributes of inside space between strokes is emphasized, with its influence on readability. TP Sky SemiClassic is a font family with high multiplicity that combines a relaxed atmosphere and familiarity while pursuing ease of reading. The brush strokes, speed, and intensity are expressed with the modulated strokes, providing liveliness in a sans-serif typeface that tends to appear inorganic.

Concept

While upholding the TP Sky family concept of “a vast expanse of clear skies above us,” TP Sky SemiClassic is a series usable as a font for texts. The simple and smooth outline drawing of TP Sky brings a clear and bright air, and contributes significantly to lightening the amount of font data.

The appearance of TP Sky SemiClassic has a feeling of a compact and clear sans-serif typeface and a classical essence that can be expected to flourish in various usages from formal to casual.

Features

The excellent compatibility of the slightly tightened structure and modulated strokes are features of TP Sky SemiClassic. Though it is based on the proper appearance of the block style from the first period of the Tang dynasty*, the width of inside space between strokes is set as appropriate to screen display to achieve an even higher degree of multiplicity. The brush modulation is marked by contrast attributes (high, middle, and low), and the characters are richly expressed. Keeping a classical image in its freshness, TP Sky SemiClassic is a series with the most balanced aesthetics and readability in the TP Sky family.

*Block style of the first period of the Tang dynasty
The first period of the history of literature, of the four periods of the Tang dynasty of China. The period is 100 years, from the year 618 of the first period of Tang dynasty to 712 (the year before the enthronement of Xuanzong).

High Contrast with a sharp impression is effective in usages in which messages are desired to be given a stronger impression, such as titles, catch phrases, etc. With a nuance similar to a Mincho typeface, it has a compact clarity that is unique. When handling the large characters in usage, EL (Extra Light) and L (Light) in particular give a vivid impression.

Aiming at both ease of reading and beauty, Middle Contrast is highly effective in titles and logotypes, in addition to use in text. Thin weights in particular have the appeal that no other Japanese sans-serif has had in the past, as well as readability.

Low Contrast, which gives an impression of the natural modulation of handwriting, appears flat at first glance, but thick weights, such as B (Bold) and M (Medium) resemble handwriting due to the expression of strokes. Low Contrast, which can perform well in a variety of uses, has the highest displayability of texts. It also has high readability at the time of use in small sizes, such as in captions.

Family

TP Sky SemiClassic is a family of 16 fonts configured with two attributes – weights of UL (Ultra Light), EL (Extra Light), L (Light), R (Regular), M (Medium), and B (Bold), and contrasts of High, Middle, and Low. Five weights are provided for High Contrast and Middle Contrast. Six weights with the addition of an extremely thin weight UL (Ultra Light) are provided for Low Contrast. The appropriate font for each purpose can be selected for use.

Specification