10 alternatives to Gotham

Originally a commission for GQ magazine, Tobias Frere-Jones' Gotham has become one of the biggest typographical success stories of the past decade. Released through H&FJ (now Hoefler & Co.) in 2000, it got a particular boost as the typeface of choice for Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, not to mention gracing countless movie posters, corporate identities and more.

Inspired by architectural lettering from mid-20th century New York, Gotham has a uniquely American edge that sets it apart from its more European-flavoured counterparts. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Nick Carson
Brand writer and consultant

Nick has worked with world-class agencies including Wolff Olins, Taxi Studio and Vault49 on brand storytelling, tone of voice and verbal strategy for global brands such as Virgin, TikTok, and Bite Back 2030. Nick launched the Brand Impact Awards in 2013 while editor of Computer Arts, and remains chair of judges. He's written for Creative Bloq on design and branding matters since the site's launch.

Latest in Fonts & Typography
Monotype quiz
What's your type? Take this font quiz to find your soulmate
image of the two co-founders of Colophon
"The type industry is at a crossroads", says Anthony Sheret
Monotype trends report 2024
Monotype reveals the hottest typography trends of 2024
Tesla Model S
Yes, Tesla really just recalled all of its cars over a font
Fonts interacting
Viral TikTok video hilariously imagines fonts hanging out
Wonka logo
'Seeing the responses has been really uplifting': How we made the Wonka movie typography
Latest in Features
Promise Mascot Agency;
How Ikumi Nakamura's 'art bible' helped create Promise Mascot Agency's grotesque mascots, and why collaboration in indie game development is vital
Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau discuses AI; a digital illustration showcases a stylised female figure, reminiscent of a comic book superhero, likely Supergirl, with vibrant colours and a dynamic pose
"In the future, there will be fewer artists like me – real artists" says Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau as he reflects on the dangerous impact of AI on art
Pittura, a short film made at ArtFX
"We wanted to talk about AI and its relationship to art" – how we made 2025’s VES Student Award-winning animation Pittura
Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau; a vibrant, dynamic illustration showcases Spider-Gwen in a dynamic action pose amidst a cityscape, radiating a sense of energy and playful confidence
"Art is not easy. You have to suffer in joy" – Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau reflects on what it takes to succeed in comic art
Your House indie game art interview; A stylised illustration depicts a young woman seated, seemingly contemplative, in a setting that combines elements of a comic book panel and a vintage aesthetic
"This is a game you can read, or a book you can play” – solving the visual design of Your House, a detective game crossed with a Daniel Clowes comic
one.com
How to build a website for your creative business quickly and easily