Typeface Collection for Fontwerk

Grotesque hybrids from a veteran of European corporate type

Ika Collection is a sans-serif type family by Jörg Hemker, developed between 2017 and 2020 and released through Fontwerk in July 2020, with variable fonts added in July 2021. The collection comprises two subfamilies across 21 styles: Ika, positioned by Fontwerk as one of its most legible faces, and Ika Compact, described by the foundry as a synthesis of American grotesque and classic European sans. Hemker's prior work includes custom type systems and logotypes for Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, Deutsche Telekom, and others; a timeless rather than trend-driven approach is cited by the foundry as characteristic of all his typefaces.

Set in Ika Collection

Insights

Design period spanned three years (2017–2020) before the July 2020 release; variable fonts followed separately in July 2021.
The collection splits into two subfamilies: Ika VAR uses a weight axis, while Ika Compact VAR uses a width axis.
Cyrillic was developed with consultancy credited to Eugene Yukechev; the family received a shortlist at the Modern Cyrillic 2021 Awards.
The family also received a D&AD Awards 2021 shortlist and a Merit at the 2021 ADC Awards.