There is a certain tension within every typeface, a push and pull between form and function, history and innovation, precision and expression. Nib embodies this tension more than most. Like the dual nature of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Nib exists in a state of duality—seamlessly blending seemingly opposing design forces. It is both disciplined and free, chiseled and hand-drawn, restrained yet full of character.

This duality isn’t accidental. At the heart of Nib’s design is a dialogue between two distinct traditions: the sharp, sculptural quality of chiseled forms and the fluid, humanistic movement of letters drawn by hand with a pen. By marrying these opposing aesthetics, Nib captures a sense of controlled spontaneity—a typeface that wears two faces, each revealing a different aspect of its character depending on its application.

Jekyll and Hyde: The Dual Nature of Nib

The duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale of a man split between two personas, provides a fitting metaphor for Nib. Just as Jekyll represents the restrained, moral side, and Hyde embodies the raw, unbridled self, Nib offers a split personality: the sharp, mechanical precision of a chisel meeting the fluidity and warmth of the pen. One would assume this to be a a constructed marriage, but it was actually found on a chiseled poem in a quaint Danish church.

In large display settings, Nib’s chiseled characteristics dominate. The letterforms exhibit sharp, angular cuts, as if they’ve been meticulously carved into stone or metal. The crisp, hard edges of the terminals, the straight lines of the stems, and the tightly defined curves speak to a sense of deliberate craftsmanship. This is Nib’s Jekyll—calm, disciplined, and refined.

But just beneath this carefully controlled exterior, there’s another side to Nib. Depending on it’s usage, the influence of the pen comes into focus. The subtleties of human touch become more apparent, the slight tapering of strokes, the hint of calligraphic influence in the curves and terminals. This is Nib’s Hyde—more organic, expressive, and free-spirited, revealing a hand-drawn quality that adds warmth and approachability to the design.

This duality makes Nib a typeface of remarkable versatility. In smaller sizes, it asserts itself with authority, while in larger text settings, it softens, allowing its more human qualities to come forward. Like Jekyll and Hyde, Nib is a typeface that can change its personality to suit the needs of the moment.

The Fusion of Chisel and Pen

To fully appreciate Nib’s design, we must explore the two traditions it draws from: the chiseled forms of stone and metal engraving,and the fluidity of letters drawn with a pen.

Chiseled type has its origins in the monumental inscriptions of ancient Rome, where letters were carved into stone with precision and permanence. These letterforms were all about clarity and strength, their sharp lines and strong contrasts designed to endure and be easily read from a distance. Over time, the aesthetic of chiseled type evolved, finding its way into the world of printing, where it continued to convey authority and refinement.

On the other hand, pen-drawn type belongs to a more personal, intimate tradition. The letters produced by the hand-held pen are alive with movement and variation, each stroke influenced by the speed and angle of the hand. This calligraphic heritage brings a sense of warmth and imperfection to type, a reminder that letters are not just shapes, but gestures made by human hands.

In Nib, these two traditions coexist in a state of dynamic tension. The chiseled influence is seen in the sharp, clean cuts of the terminals and the angular serifs, while the pointed nib pen reveals itself in the gentle modulations of stroke weight and the fluidity of certain curves. This synthesis of the geometric and the gestural gives Nib a distinctive voice—structured yet approachable, formal yet human.

A Typeface for the Modern Age

Nib’s ability to navigate between these two extremes makes it uniquely suited for the demands of contemporary design. In today’s world, where the digital and the handmade often overlap, Nib finds itself perfectly at home. Its chiseled precision lends it an air of authority, making it ideal for editorial headlines, branding, and signage where clarity and impact are paramount. Yet its subtle pen-like qualities ensure that it never feels cold or mechanical, making it equally effective in text-heavy settings where readability and warmth are essential.

This is where Nib’s duality becomes its greatest strength. Like the split personality of Jekyll and Hyde, Nib has the ability to change its character depending on the typesetters intend. In one moment, it can be sharp and commanding, in another, soft and inviting. This flexibility gives designers a powerful tool for navigating the diverse visual landscapes of today’s media.

Duality as a Design Principle

The duality at the heart of Nib reflects a broader design principle that resonates deeply in the world of typography: the balance between control and expression. Great typefaces often walk this line, offering both precision and personality, structure and freedom. Nib exemplifies this balance, inviting us to consider how these opposing forces can come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

In this sense, Nib is not just a typeface—it is a study in the power of contrasts. It reminds us that even in design, where clarity and function are key, there is room for subtlety and nuance. The sharp can coexist with the soft, the mechanical with the human, the chiseled with the pen-drawn. This is the essence of Nib’s design, and what makes it a typeface that stands out in an increasingly homogenous typographic landscape.

This duality was the brief during its development, as it was originally developed as a custom typeface for the MSK, the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, Belgium. After their period of exclusivity, the privilege of using it has now been opened up for the masses.

Nib: A Typeface for Both Sides of the Coin

In Nib, Dries Wiewauters has created a typeface that speaks to both sides of the design coin. Like Jekyll and Hyde, Nib lives in two worlds at once, its chiseled structure providing strength and clarity, while its pen-drawn elements offer warmth and humanity. This duality allows Nib to transcend the limitations of style, making it a typeface that is as versatile as it is distinctive.

Whether used for a bold, impactful headline or a long block of text, Nib brings with it a unique blend of precision and expression, modernity and tradition. It is a typeface for the present moment, grounded in history yet looking forward, embodying the balance that lies at the heart of great design.