Friedrich Althausen.
Creative Type Designer.

In his words.

“ Type design is the purest of all design directions: no colours, no sizes, no hierarchy, no 3D, no surfaces — just form and counter form on the plane.  ”

Friedrich Althausen from Berlin is a type designer, typographer and calligrapher and, in his role as a Creative Type Director at the Monotype Studio, an enthusiastic ambassador for all things type. After his studies at the Bauhaus University in Weimar, Friedrich worked as a freelance designer with a special interest in book typography and type design. He has designed typefaces for mathematics textbooks and a school atlas, and his font “Vollkorn” became known worldwide as one of the very first free webfonts on the internet. At Monotype he is responsible for custom designs and modifications for German-speaking and international brands. 

As a calligrapher, Friedrich is passionate about DIY writing tools. He loves to apply his ephemeral letterings on streets and pavements, using his self-made tools for large-scale chalk calligraphy. He has contributed to several significant projects at Monotype, including Helvetica Now Variable and custom type design for brands including Reckitt, Evri, Balenciaga, Teamviewer, Captain Morgan, De Vegetarische Slager, Duolingo, and Bechtle.

In his spare time, Friedrich enjoys sailing, building wooden toys, choir singing, and his kids. 

Helvetica Now Variable

More. Helvetica. Now.

Helvetica®  Now Variable builds on the groundbreaking work of 2019’s Helvetica Now release—all of the clarity, simplicity and neutrality of classic Helvetica with everything 21st-century designers need (optical sizing, stylistic alternates, and extended character set).

Helvetica Now Variable offers designers more of everything: more creative freedom; more typographic expression; and more power.

Helvetica Now Variable. More. Helvetica. Now.

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More from Friederich.

The role of type in Reckitt’s brand transformation.
Case studies

The role of type in Reckitt’s brand transformation.

The new, bespoke typeface ‘Energy’ is distinctive, accessible and unique to the Reckitt brand, allowing it to confidently deliver its messages, reinforcing its commitment to making positive change.

A living logo for every parcel, person, and place: Monotype and Superunion help Hermes rebrand into Evri.
Case studies

A living logo for every parcel, person, and place: Monotype and Superunion help Hermes rebrand into Evri.

Evri is the new name and brand for Hermes, the UK’s largest dedicated parcel delivery company. The Monotype Studio design team led by Senior Creative Type Director Phil Garnham, worked closely with Superunion to create a living logotype powered by variable font technology to help the brand realize its mission of positive and reliable delivery experiences for everyone, everywhere.

Together Sans: The reimagining of Trussell Trust's identity.
Case studies

Together Sans: The reimagining of Trussell Trust's identity.

In a recent collaboration, OPX Studio and Monotype embarked on a transformative journey to refresh the branding of the Trussell Trust, a charity organization committed to ending hunger in the UK. This exciting project was spearheaded by David Bennet, Creative Director of OPX Studio, alongside Emilios Theofanous, Creative Type Director at Monotype, and Phil Garnham, Executive Creative Director at Monotype.

Brainlab GIF
Case studies

A bespoke modification of Helvetica Now for medical tech company, Brainlab's rebrand.

A global leader in medical technology, Brainlab has evolved into a powerhouse, transforming healthcare at scale across oncology, surgery, and total operating room digitalization. After 30 years, Brainlab was ready for a full rebrand and came to Monotype for a customized version of Helvetica Now to serve as their brand typeface.