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The Top 10 Fonts of All Time

Stuart Crawford

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While subjective tastes differ, these top 10 fonts have undeniably cemented their status as iconic and influential. Learn more on the Design Blog.

The Top 10 Fonts of All Time Ranked

Typography is a captivating art form that can subtly yet profoundly influence how we interpret and interact with the written word.

From elegant serifs to sleek sans-serifs, different fonts' styles, weights, and personalities evoke emotions and shape perceptions. Join me today as we explore the history of typography, uncovering the ten most iconic and impactful fonts.

Virginia Woolf once wrote, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” Fonts are the equivalent of a delicious meal for our eyes and brains. Though they operate quietly in the background, fonts nourish digital communication with visual flair and hidden meaning. A staggering 95% of online content is presented through typography.

Throughout the centuries, brilliant minds have experimented with letterforms, pushing the boundaries of readability and artistry. Their contributions live on as celebrated fonts that have stood the test of time. Today, we will traverse the annals of typographic innovation, celebrating the classics alongside the avant-garde.

From centuries-old serifs to sleek modern sans-serifs, this list showcases the versatility and dynamism of typographic design. We will uncover each entry's historical context, unique traits, and enduring impact. You may find old favourites as well as discover new gems.

While subjective tastes differ, these top 10 fonts have undeniably cemented their status as iconic and influential. Each represents a pioneering achievement that has left an indelible mark on written communication. Whether they evoke heritage and tradition or embrace progress and minimalism, all demonstrate the astonishing power of font design.

If you are a designer, creative, or font fan, I invite you to join me on a journey through typographic history. It is a story filled with art, ingenuity, and even revolution. Let's uncover the visionaries who shaped the letterforms we know and love.

Top 10 Fonts of All Time

1 – Helvetica – The Epitome of Clean and Timeless Design

Helvetica Font Designer

Helvetica has become one of design's most iconic and influential fonts. Created in 1957 by Swiss typeface designer Max Miedinger, Helvetica embodied the visual identity of mid-20th-century modernist design with its clean lines, lack of ornamentation, and simple, easy-to-read letterforms.

“Helvetica” comes from the Latin word for Switzerland (Helvetia), as the font was initially developed for the Haas Type Foundry of Münchenstein, Switzerland. Haas commissioned Miedinger to create a neutral yet distinctive grotesque-style font that could compete with Akzidenz-Grotesk, the trendy German sans serif typeface.

Miedinger successfully met this goal, drawing inspiration from the geometric sans serif designs of the Bauhaus school and the rational, objective aesthetic of the Swiss graphic design of that era. The result was a highly legible and versatile font free of quirks, with letters formed from circles, parallelograms and triangles. This allowed Helvetica to be reproduced accurately at both small and large sizes.

Helvetica swiftly became famous for its universal appeal and lack of personality. Swiss graphic designer Josef Müller-Brockmann noted that Helvetica stood out by not standing out. It straightforwardly communicated information without injecting subjective meaning. This “neutral” quality was crucial for Helvetica's success – it could seamlessly blend into any setting or project.

Vignelli Graphic Design Work For American Airlines

By the 1960s, Helvetica pervaded international visual culture and graphic design. Corporations like BMW, American Airlines, and Toyota adopted it for logos and branding to project an image of modern sophistication.

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Countless posters, advertisements, packaging, signage and books showcased Helvetica, securing its reputation as the quintessential “modern” typeface. Helvetica was even featured in the New York City subway system signage designed by Unimark International.

Beyond its clean effectiveness in professional design contexts, Helvetica also crossed over into pop culture and broader public awareness. Andy Warhol's use of Helvetica in his artworks made it a staple of the 1960s New York art scene. The postmodern cover art of punk rock albums in the 1970s and 80s frequently combined Helvetica with ransom note-style typography for subversive effect.

Even with shifts in aesthetic tastes over the decades, Helvetica has remained an enduring staple in graphic design. It continues to be a top choice for designers seeking a crisp, legible and versatile sans-serif font.

Thanks to its timeless appeal and ability to communicate simplicity and directness across all contexts. More than a half-century after its creation, Helvetica's clean visual identity still represents the pinnacle of modernist design.

What Are the Top 10 Alternatives to Helvetica?

Looking for a fresh take on your favourite sans-serif font? Helvetica is iconic, but sometimes you need something different to make your design pop. Here are ten fantastic alternatives that retain a modern look while offering unique characteristics:

  1. Arial
    • A widely-used classic, Arial offers clean lines and excellent readability. It's the go-to alternative for those needing a typeface similar to Helvetica but with subtle differences.
  2. Univers
    • Known for its versatility, Univers has a large family of weights and styles, making it ideal for varied design purposes.
  3. Roboto
    • A modern typeface designed for digital experiences, Roboto maintains a mechanical skeleton and a geometric form.
  4. Futura
    • With its simple and geometric forms, Futura offers a more modernist aesthetic that works well in minimalistic designs.
  5. Montserrat
    • Boasting a stylish, urban character, Montserrat brings a fresh, contemporary style to your projects.
  6. Open Sans
    • Designed for legibility across web and mobile interfaces, Open Sans is friendly and neutral, suitable for print and digital.
  7. Lato
    • Featuring semi-rounded details, Lato adds warmth, balancing seriousness and friendliness.
  8. Calibri
    • Often used in digital documents, Calibri combines modern and understated elements that enhance readability.
  9. Proxima Nova
    • Bridging the gap between typefaces like Futura and Akzidenz Grotesk, Proxima Nova is popular for its clean, crisp appearance.
  10. Avenir
    • Embodying humanist qualities, Avenir stands out with its harmonious and slightly organic shapes.

These alternatives offer a range of styles and functionalities, letting you pick the one that best suits your design needs. Whether for a sleek website or a sophisticated print publication, these fonts are ready to enhance your content with style.

2 – Times New Roman – The Classic Serif with Enduring Elegance

Times Vs Times New Roman

Times New Roman has become one of the world's most ubiquitous and recognisable fonts since its creation in 1931. Designed by eminent typographer Stanley Morison in collaboration with Victor Lardent for The Times newspaper in London, this serif typeface was intended to solve legibility issues and space economy in newspaper printing.

The elegance and readability of Times New Roman made it the perfect choice as a text font for The Times, allowing the newspaper to fit more words onto each line while remaining highly readable even at small point sizes. Its restrained style, with subtle thick and thin strokes on the serifs and letterforms, gave Times New Roman a distinguished and authoritative look well-suited for the reputable British newspaper.

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After its introduction in 1931, Times New Roman swiftly became popular beyond The Times and was adopted by other newspapers and publishing houses. But its ubiquity was cemented when it became the default font for Microsoft Word in the early 1990s. Its inclusion with the world's most popular word-processing software made Times New Roman a staple on computers across the globe.

Today, Times New Roman remains one of print and digital media's most commonly used fonts. Its classic serif style gives it an air of sophistication and timelessness. The font's excellent readability, even at small sizes, and its efficient use of space have kept Times New Roman a favourite for body text in books, magazines, academic papers, business reports, and office documents.

While some decry its overuse, Times New Roman's flexibility across mediums and contexts is undeniable. More than 90 years after its creation, this iconic font deserves its place among the most significant and impactful fonts of the 20th century. Its enduring popularity and ubiquity solidly cement its status as a typographic classic.

Are you looking to shake things up from the traditional Times New Roman? Whether you're aiming for a modern twist on your documents or just seeking a fresh appearance for your projects, there are many fantastic alternatives to explore.

Here are the top 10 alternatives that can inject new life into your typography:

1 – Georgia

A classic choice is known for its readability. Georgia enhances the text with a more contemporary look while retaining a familiar feel that's easy on the eyes.

2 – Garamond

Elegant and timeless, Garamond offers a refined appearance. It's perfect for longer text where a sophisticated vibe is desired.

3 – Cambria

Explicitly designed for clarity in digital formats, Cambria combines traditional serifs with a slightly modern twist, making it highly versatile.

4 – Calibri

A san-serif font, Calibri is sleek and minimalist, perfect for users looking to move away from the serif-heavy style of Times New Roman.

5 – Palatino

With its smooth curves and clean edges, Palatino delivers a professional look suitable for print and digital applications.

6 – Baskerville

Known for its contrast and readability, Baskerville adds a touch of formality and is great for projects requiring a classic yet bold statement.

7 – Merriweather

Ideal for web content, Merriweather maintains legibility on screens, offering an aesthetically pleasing alternative without sacrificing readability.

8 – Libre Baskerville

A modern take on the traditional Baskerville, Libre Baskerville is optimized for body text, especially at smaller sizes, making it ideal for digital consumption.

9 – Serif Pro

With a slightly more contemporary style than Times New Roman, Serif Pro is flexible for various uses while providing a distinguished look.

10 – Verdana

Although primarily a sans-serif font, Verdana's wide spacing and precise letter shapes make it a stellar option for on-screen readability, differing from Times New Roman's more compact style.

Switch up your usual typeface and discover how these alternatives can transform your documents from mundane to magnificent. Whether for print or digital, these fonts offer diverse aesthetics matching your needs.

3 – Bodoni – The Bold and Beautiful Modern Serif

Bodoni Font Design

The iconic Bodoni typeface, created by the legendary Italian typographer Giambattista Bodoni in the late 1800s, exudes timeless elegance and boldness. With its high contrast between thick and thin strokes and its overall geometric construction, Bodoni communicates luxury, sophistication and a commanding presence, unlike any other font.

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Bodoni was truly ahead of his time, developing this groundbreaking serif typeface at a pivotal moment when printing transitioned from manual to industrialised processes. He manually engraved and cast metal-type fonts of unrivalled sharpness and precision for the books he published in the royal print shop in Parma, Italy. This allowed him to create letterforms with unprecedented subtlety and refinement.

Bodoni Font Download

The key characteristics that define the Bodoni typeface are the thin serifs, hairline strokes contrasting with the thick verticals, and the overall monolinear construction, with strokes of uniform thickness.

This gives Bodoni its refined, stylish quality that almost seems to leap off the page. The dazzling elegance of Bodoni has made it a long-standing favourite for high-end fashion magazines, book covers, branding and advertising campaigns aiming to evoke luxury and sophistication.

Giambattista Bodoni's contributions elevated typography and printing as an art form, from the stately letterforms he engraved to the lavish books he produced. His Bodoni font exemplified the pinnacle of technical virtuosity combined with classical beauty.

Nearly 250 years after its creation, Bodoni remains one of the most iconic typefaces, continuing to communicate high style and bold originality. Bodoni's legacy remains a constant source of inspiration for designers across generations.

4 – Futura – Embracing Geometric Simplicity

Futura Font Professional

Futura has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and influential fonts in design history. Created by German-type designer Paul Renner in 1927, Futura embodied the aesthetic of the Bauhaus art school and the broader modernist design movement of the early 20th century.

With its simple, unadorned geometric letterforms devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, Futura exemplified the Bauhaus emphasis on function and clarity. The sans-serif typeface conveys precision and efficiency through its clean lines and near-perfect circles, triangles and squares. This gave Futura a sleek, futuristic look that was revolutionary for the time and evoked the dawn of a new technological era.

Famous Logos With Futura Font

Widely used in advertising, corporate branding and publications, Futura became synonymous with modernity and forward progress. It was trendy for logos and headlines meant to convey innovation.

Over the decades, Futura has been featured in iconic symbols for significant brands like Volkswagen, IKEA, Supreme and NASA, whose streamlined aesthetic complements brand images rooted in simplicity and purity of design.

Today, Futura remains one of the most ubiquitous fonts in print, digital media, film and television. It has inspired countless successful fonts, including Helvetica, Arial and Century Gothic.

Nearly a century after its creation, Futura's legacy of Bauhaus-inspired minimalism and geometric order continues to shape the aesthetics of modern design. Its lasting popularity is a testament to the vision of Paul Renner and the dramatic influence of the pioneering modernist movement.

What Are the Top 10 Alternatives to Futura?

If you're on the hunt for a typeface that rivals the timeless allure of Futura, you're in good company. Here, we explore ten outstanding alternatives that offer similar geometric and modern aesthetics without sacrificing originality.

  1. Avenir
    • Designed for readability, Avenir offers a warmer touch compared to Futura. Its rounded strokes create a harmonious balance, making it ideal for print and digital media.
  2. Century Gothic
    • With its sleek and modern lines, Century Gothic reflects the clean, geometric style beloved in Futura. It's perfect for projects that demand a bold yet classic look.
  3. Avant Garde Gothic
    • This typeface brings a slightly more eccentric character into the mix. Its unique letterforms can add a touch of flair to your design while still maintaining a modern feel.
  4. Nexa
    • Nexa is known for its geometric simplicity and versatility. It's an excellent choice for projects ranging from branding to web design, thanks to its crisp lines and clean appearance.
  5. Proxima Nova
    • A contemporary classic, Proxima Nova offers a polished sans-serif look with a humanistic touch. It's an excellent choice for web design due to its superb screen legibility.
  6. Gotham
    • Inspired by architectural signage, Gotham boasts a modern, geometric design. Its clean lines and broad appeal make it a favourite for corporate and creative projects.
  7. Raleway
    • Raleway offers a lightweight alternative with stylish letterforms and a minimalist, elegant, versatile font, perfect for print and digital use.
  8. Montserrat
    • Designed to capture the beauty of urban typography, Montserrat features rounded edges and a friendly demeanour. It's ideal for headlines and digital content that need a bit of warmth.
  9. Museo Sans
    • Museo Sans combines architectural clarity with a softer edge. It's perfect for readable text in small and large formats, offering a refined geometric style.
  10. Josefin Sans
    • With a nod to the Scandinavian design aesthetic, Josefin Sans presents a distinctive, artistic vibe. Its elegant form is excellent for creative projects that require a touch of sophistication.
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Choosing the right typeface can significantly influence the tone and effectiveness of your project. Each Futura alternative brings something unique, ensuring your design remains impactful and memorable.

5 – Gill Sans – The Humanist Sans-Serif with a Touch of Warmth

Top 10 Fonts Gill Sans

With its distinctive mix of geometric and humanist letterforms, Gill Sans has been a versatile and popular typeface since its creation by Eric Gill in the late 1920s. Though classified as a sans-serif font, Gill Sans exhibits a warmth and organic quality that sets it apart from the more mechanical sans-serif faces of the early 20th century.

The subtly modulated stroke weights and quirky details like the playful lower-case ‘a' give Gill Sans a friendly, almost conversational style. This approachability made the font ideal for Penguin Books, who adopted it for their covers and branding in the 1930s.

Gill Sans went on to become ubiquitous in the British design world and beyond, used everywhere from the signage of the London Underground to early logos for the BBC.

Gill Sans Best Fonts Of All Time

Nearly a century after its debut, Gill Sans feels fresh and relevant across print and digital media. Its highly legible letterforms work well in everything from books to apps, while its distinctive personality adds charm to any project.

Both humanist and modern, Gill Sans has proven its versatility as a typeface for the ages. Though many imitators have followed in its footsteps, the original Gill Sans remains an iconic amalgam of geometric simplicity and humanist grace.

6 – Baskerville – The Timeless Transitional Serif

Baskerville Font

Baskerville is a classic transitional serif typeface that bridges the gap between old-style typefaces like Caslon and modern serifs like Didot. Designed in 1757 by John Baskerville, an English businessman and typographer, Baskerville represents a turning point in typographic history with its increased stroke contrast and vertical stress.

At the time, Baskerville stood out for its smoother, more refined letterforms compared to the rough quality of old-style typefaces. Baskerville introduced thinner serifs and thicker stems, creating a high contrast between thick and thin strokes that gave the font an elegant, luxurious feel. This enhanced legibility made Baskerville ideal for printed books and elevated typography to a new level of sophistication.

Baskerville Font

Beyond books, Baskerville also proved well-suited to formal usages like invitations and certificates. Its sharp, graceful serifs and clean finish conveyed style and authority. While Baskerville pushed typography forward artistically, it maintained readability through its moderate proportions and sufficient difference between letter shapes.

Over two centuries later, Baskerville remains a go-to choice when a refined, distinctive look is desired. It continues to be famous for book design, having been used for editions of literary classics. Baskerville also works well for display usage like logos and headlines, where its high contrast makes letterforms eye-catching. Baskerville provides a pleasant reading experience for body text with its classic beauty and clarity.

With its elegance and functionality, Baskerville is a testament to John Baskerville's artistic flair and technical skill. Its balance of old and new makes this transitional serif widely adaptable, cementing its status as a typographic classic. Baskerville reminds us how typefaces can elevate written communication through creative innovation and concern for legibility.

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7 – Univers – A Versatile Geometric Typeface

Univers Font Download

Univers is one of the most iconic and influential typefaces of the 20th century. Designed by the renowned Swiss typographer Adrian Frutiger and released in 1957, it exemplifies the principles of Swiss typography with its rational, orderly design.

The expansive Univers family encompasses over 30 weights and styles, an extensive range at its release. From ultralight to extra bold weights, along with complementary italic and oblique styles, Univers can adapt to meet the needs of diverse design situations. This versatility and its legible, straightforward letterforms made Univers a favourite among the international design community.

Frutiger conceived Univers as a new standard typeface, transcending the limitations of the period's metal-cast fonts. He fully exploited the new phototypesetting technology and engineered Univers as a cohesive system of related variants. Organising the family into numbered weight subclasses (Univers 55, 56, 65, 66, etc.) gave designers intuitive and systematic access to its range of weights.

Univers Font Example

While inspired by the principles of the Bauhaus, Univers forged its distinct character apart from other neo-grotesque types contemporary to its release. Its tall x-height and especially prominent serifs on letters like ‘t' lend Univers a more assertive feel than other Swiss grotesques. Combining these individual touches with its unfussy simplicity yields a uniquely versatile and legible font.

Univers's remarkable breadth of weights and styles, along with its symbolic Swiss Modern aesthetic, secured its prominence in the visual culture of the 1960s and 70s. It became a hallmark of Swiss graphic design and shaped design internationally. Univers remains popular among contemporary designers seeking a direct, adaptable, unmistakably modern typeface.

8 – Didot – The Elegant and Fashionable Modern Serif

Didot Typeface

The iconic serif font Didot has been associated with luxury and high fashion for over two centuries. First designed in the late 1700s by French typographer Firmin Didot, Didot's sophisticated style immediately stood out for its thin, delicate serifs and high-stroke contrast.

At a time when most fonts had bracketed serifs and moderate proportions, Didot's hairline strokes and dramatic thick-to-thin transitions gave it an air of elegance that was perfect for conveying luxury.

Over the next few decades, the Didot typeface became enormously popular and used for prestigious book publications across Europe.

However, it established itself as a staple of haute couture when French fashion houses like Chanel began using Didot for their logos and advertising in the early 1900s. The font's blend of neoclassical grace and modern simplicity aligned perfectly with luxury fashion's sleek, refined aesthetic.

Didot Font Examples

Today, Didot remains one of the most iconic fonts associated with high fashion. Its enduring legacy can be seen across glossy magazine mastheads, from Vogue to Harper's Bazaar, and in the logos of leading luxury brands like Cartier, Céline, and Balmain.

Top fashion designers continue to utilise Didot for everything from runaway show graphics to retail packaging. Outside the fashion world, Didot lends an elevated, stylish touch to menus, wedding invitations, and more.

Nearly 250 years after its creation, the Didot typeface continues to encapsulate prestige and elegance. Its balance of classic beauty and contemporary flair makes Didot a true staple of editorial and luxury design that always stays in style. The font's rich heritage and cultural cachet ensure that “Didot” and “high fashion” will remain synonymous for generations.

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9 – Gotham – The Contemporary American Typeface

Professional Fonts Gotham

Gotham, a sleek and stylish sans-serif typeface, was designed by acclaimed American typographer Tobias Frere-Jones in 2000. Drawing inspiration from the bold signage and architectural lettering found throughout New York City, Frere-Jones set out to create a font that embodied the forward-looking spirit of America's largest metropolis at the turn of the 21st century.

The result was a highly versatile and legible family of fonts that conveyed urban sophistication and modernity. Gotham's tall height and vast proportions give it a stoic, anchored appearance, while its clean lines and sparse detailing lend an air of rational, unfussy directness. This skilful balance of aesthetics makes Gotham well-suited for everything from wayfinding systems to promotional materials to digital interfaces.

Gotham Font Obama Poster

Gotham has become one of the most popular and influential typefaces in contemporary graphic design decades since its release. Its widespread use across prominent brand identities from Sears to Netflix has cemented its reputation as the quintessential American sans serif. Gotham's ubiquity in New York City, the environment that shaped its character, speaks to its success in capturing and communicating urban vitality.

Now a modern classic, Gotham continues to represent the sleek confidence of New York while also adapting to our ever-evolving visual culture. Gotham's diversity and versatility make it a genuinely all-American font for the 21st century and beyond, from its headline-worthy bold weights to its more austere book styles.

10 – Cooper Black – The Quirky and Playful Display Font

Cooper Black Five Characters Font

Cooper Black is a striking and memorable display font that has made a bold impression since its creation in 1922 by American-type designer Oswald Bruce Cooper. Cooper Black brings a lively, retro flair to any typographic design with its thick, rounded letterforms and distinctive bulbous terminals.

The font's elaborate uppercase letters, exaggerated flourishes, and exaggerated ink traps give Cooper Black a quirky, animated quality. The generous spacing between letters enhances legibility while giving the typeface an approachable, friendly vibe. The bouncy letterforms dance across the page when set in all caps.

Cooper Black has been hugely popular for display use in advertising, packaging, posters, and signage. Its nostalgic 1950s and '60s vibe evokes a sense of warmth and fun. Brands have often utilised Cooper Black to create a vibrant, eye-catching impact on consumers and convey a spirit of lightheartedness.

Cooper Black Font Inspiration

Over the decades since its release by the Barnhart Brothers & Spindler type foundry, Cooper Black has become deeply embedded in American visual culture. When paired with more straightforward sans-serif typefaces, it provides a striking contrast and accent. Cooper Black's uniqueness and retro styling ensure it will continue to be a go-to display font to inject brightness, energy, and personality into designs.

Conclusion

The world of typography is a vast and dynamic landscape filled with thousands of typefaces that contribute to the visual language of graphic design. While new fonts are created daily, some have stood the test of time and continue to be pillars of the typographic world. These classic typefaces inspire designers with their timeless elegance and versatility.

One of the most iconic fonts is Helvetica, first designed in 1957. Its clean lines and neutral appearance make it a go-to choice for brands wanting to convey modernity and sophistication. Helvetica communicates clarity and efficiency, lending itself to big and small designs.

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Times New Roman, created in 1932, is the quintessential serif font. Its legibility and letterforms reflective of old-world newspaper typography have made it a staple for body text across printed materials. While some may see Times New Roman dull, its enduring ubiquity speaks to its reliability and flexibility.

For a more retro and playful vibe, Cooper Black evokes 1970s counterculture with its chunky, quirky letterforms. Its thick strokes and condensed spacing create a funky energy perfect for posters, logos, and display text.

Beyond the classics are relative newcomers like Proxima Nova, which blends futuristic style with vintage charm. Designed in the 1990s, its rounded edges and mix of geometric and humanist forms give it both softness and stability. Proxima Nova's visual flair makes it ideal for fashion or technology brands wanting to convey innovation.

The best fonts connect to readers on an emotional level. While personal taste plays a role, the most effective typography choices stem from understanding attributes like personality, legibility, and purpose. With an appreciation for typographic history and an eye for context, designers can leverage the power of fonts to create compelling visual narratives and experiences.

The art of typography will continue to evolve. However, knowledge of these top 10 fonts provides an invaluable anchor for designers to build upon as they shape the future of visual communication.

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Written By
Stuart Crawford
Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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