Type Specimen (PDF)

Bitum is a new sans that defies conventional classification, with nods to such disparate references as early geometric sans serifs and modular lettering used in wayfinding signage. The former influences lend sheer energy of breaking new ground while the latter supply industrial pragmatism and uniform proportions.

In its display version Bitum calls attention to itself in the manner of the carefully-lettered street signs of old West Berlin—its perennial calling card. The type’s strong personality is determined by a quirky lowercase a, the lowercase s with a stubbornly horizontal connecting stroke, and the uppercase M with a conspicuously low vertex. Notwithstanding its idiosyncrasies, the type’s low stroke contrast, consistent proportions, and generous x-height with short ascenders and descenders make it highly readable in small sizes resulting in solid and even setting.

Bitum is offered in a basic collection of weights, from light to bold with italics (acutely inclined at about 15˚). The well-rounded character set includes tabular and proportional figures with fractions, superscript and subscript. A careful typographer will be happy to find useful OpenType features including substitution of case-sensitive quotes and dashes, as well as a one-story lowercase a, an alternate that noticeably affects the whole flavour of the setting. Supplied circled numbers and arrows would be welcomed by designers of informational or navigational graphics. Supports over 40 languages using Latin and Cyrillic scripts.

Designed by Gayaneh Bagdasaryan & Vyacheslav Kirilenko, 2018.

You can free download the trial version of font. It is allowed to use the files exclusively for trial purposes in order to make a decision about purchasing. Download trial version.