Upward: A Bold Slab Serif for Creative Branding
As a graphic designer, I recently embarked on a project to rebrand a local café, and the moment I saw Upward, I knew it was the perfect font. This chunky, hand-crafted slab serif is bulky and great for titles, displays, posters, and more. No matter the topic, this font will be an incredible asset to your fonts library, as it has the potential to elevate any design.
Upward in Logo Design and Brand Identity
When I started sketching the logo for the café, I needed a font that would stand out and convey a sense of warmth and character. Upward, with its bold and robust presence, did just that. The font’s thick, well-defined strokes made the café's name, "Morning Brew," pop off the page. It set the tone for a brand that is both welcoming and memorable.
Upward for Packaging Design and Product Labels
Next, I moved on to the packaging design. Upward’s chunky style worked beautifully on the coffee bags and mugs. The font’s clarity and weight made the product labels easy to read, even from a distance. This is crucial for a café where customers might be browsing quickly. The font’s personality also added a touch of craftsmanship, aligning perfectly with the café’s commitment to quality and care.
Upward in Social Media Graphics and Posters
For the café’s social media presence, I used Upward to create eye-catching graphics. The font’s boldness made the posts stand out in a crowded feed, and its clean lines ensured that the text remained legible, even on smaller screens. When designing posters for the café’s upcoming events, Upward’s strong, attention-grabbing qualities made it an ideal choice for headlines and key information.
Upward in Editorial Design and Printed Materials
In the editorial design for the café’s menu and promotional flyers, Upward served as a powerful headline font. Its bulkiness and clear, defined shapes made it easy to read, even at a glance. For longer text, I paired Upward with a clean, sans-serif font to maintain readability and balance. This combination not only enhanced the visual hierarchy but also created a cohesive and professional look across all printed materials.
Upward in Website Headers and Digital Templates
For the café’s website, I used Upward in the header to create a strong first impression. The font’s bold and modern feel immediately caught the eye and set the tone for the rest of the site. In digital templates for email newsletters and online promotions, Upward’s versatility shone through, making the content both engaging and easy to read.
Practical Tips for Using Upward in Client Work
Before fully integrating Upward into the café’s brand system, I tested it in various contexts to ensure it met the project’s needs. Here are some practical tips for using Upward in your own client work:
- Test the Font: Try Upward in different sizes and colors to see how it performs in various design elements.
- Font Pairing: Pair Upward with a complementary sans-serif or script font to create a balanced and harmonious design.
- Check Included Styles: Explore the different styles, alternates, and ligatures included with Upward to add variety and interest to your designs.
- Commercial Licensing: Ensure you have the appropriate commercial license for Upward if you plan to use it in client projects or commercial products.
Overall, Upward is a versatile and impactful font that can enhance any creative project. Whether you’re working on a branding overhaul, packaging design, or digital marketing, Upward’s bold and distinctive style is sure to make a lasting impression.





