The Ask
New York Magazine came to us with a playful editorial package celebrating the swoon-worthy world of throwback romance novels. Think windblown hair, impossible sunsets, and titles that dared to sparkle. They needed a headline treatment that could match the drama — something over-the-top, but still smart, stylish, and unmistakably modern.
Our Approach
We took our cues from the exaggerated typography of 1980s paperback covers — the kind you’d spot across the room at an airport bookstore. Big flourishes, high contrast, and a little bit of attitude. The customized lettering we created channels all that romance-novel energy, with curves and drama that feel bold but intentional. It’s retro, yes — but with a wink.
Why It Works
This type treatment brings retro charm without tipping into cliché — bold enough to turn heads, smart enough to hold its own in a modern editorial setting. It’s the typographic equivalent of slipping on a Member’s Only jacket before renting Romancing the Stone: confident, playful, and totally on theme. Perfect for projects that need a little flair without losing their edge.