The Atlantic, 2019

Design direction by Peter Mendelsund and Oliver Munday

We created a new logo and typeface for the 2019 redesign of The Atlantic. We took inspiration from the original nameplate of The Atlantic’s first issues from 1857, researching the origin of the printer and type foundry involved in the original publication.

Specimen from the Boston Type Foundry

This led us to specimens in the Scotch Modern family with a uniquely American flavor. By leveraging this history with contemporary details, we were able to create something authentic and unique to The Atlantic.

The logo takes inspiration from American versions of Garamond, including ATF and Ludlow Garamond. The final lockups include a hero A and the year of the magazine’s founding.

We originally created the logo and initial style of Atlantic Condensed in 2019, and greatly expanded the range of styles in 2022, adding new weights, widths, and italics to the typeface.