Introducing Greed, a typeface that embodies extravagance and audacity in design. This maximalist font reflects society's tendencies toward ostentation and ambition, drawing inspiration from unexpected sources like U.S. currency lettering. Designed by Neil Summerour of Positype, it took over a decade to develop, stemming from an initial idea for a series based on the seven deadly sins. Greed is not just a font; it’s a statement about contemporary politics and culture, challenging designers to rethink how they communicate visually.
The Making of a Maximalist Masterpiece
In a world where subtlety often takes a backseat to boldness, Greed stands out as a typographic marvel. Created by Neil Summerour, this font was inspired by intricate details found in U.S. banknotes. Summerour began his journey twelve years ago when a friend suggested designing a collection around the seven deadly sins. While the original concept never fully materialized, it sparked the creation of Greed—a powerful expression of excess.
This extensive project involved meticulous research, including studying U.S. currency under magnification. Summerour aimed to craft a lowercase version, breaking away from the all-caps tradition of American money. His attention to detail uncovered inconsistencies in currency lettering, which he transformed into unique features within Greed. The result? A comprehensive Latin set, complete with Vietnamese support, numerals tailored for financial use, and various stylistic alternatives such as small caps, fractions, and global currency symbols.
Released intentionally on Inauguration Day as a political commentary, Greed challenges users to explore its versatility while addressing societal issues head-on. Its wide serifs and adjustable ligatures make it adaptable for diverse projects, ensuring designs remain polished and professional.
From a journalist's perspective, Greed serves as both a critique and a celebration of modern aesthetics. It reminds us that art can reflect deeper truths about human nature and society. As we anticipate future iterations of this groundbreaking typeface, one thing is clear: Greed isn’t just another font—it’s a conversation starter about values, priorities, and creativity in an increasingly complex world.