KILIFI
An Endearing Typeface
Inspired by the Resilience of an Orphaned Rhino
In the vast realm of typography, a heartwarming typeface emerges, crafted with a tale of resilience and hope. Kilifi, an affable display typeface, takes its name from an orphaned 18-month-old rhino who embarked on a remarkable journey of survival and growth.
Kilifi's story began at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, where dedicated keepers like Kamara tirelessly hand-raised three vulnerable baby rhinos, including Kilifi. Kamara spent 12 hours each day watching over these young creatures, providing the care and protection they needed to thrive.
During this time, Kenya's black rhino population faced a perilous decline, edging them dangerously close to extinction. However, due to the unwavering efforts of conservationists and the support of the government, the tide began to turn. Kilifi became a symbol of hope, representing the resilience of wildlife in the face of adversity.
Inspired by Kilifi's indomitable spirit, the Kilifi typeface incorporates design elements that reflect the rhino's journey.
The typeface's heavy rounded serifs evoke the robustness and strength found in Kilifi's physical form. Kilifi's letterforms exude a chunky and armoured appearance, reminiscent of the rhino's protective exterior. The strokes possess a substantial weight that conveys strength and stability.
The strokes possess a substantial weight that conveys strength and stability.
Yet, within this armored façade, lies a captivating element of playfulness and charm, inviting the viewer to explore the typeface further. Kilifi harmoniously blends the gothic calligraphic elements with its chunky contours, resulting in a typeface that is both bold and inviting.
Kilifi's story echoes the broader success story of Kenya's black rhino population. Through concerted conservation efforts, their numbers have started to rise once again, offering a glimmer of hope for these majestic creatures and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.
Kilifi is a visual homage to the triumph and resilience in the face of adversity.
Through its fusion of chunky, armoured forms and playful calligraphic elements, the typeface encapsulates the spirit of the orphaned 18-month-old rhino, Kilifi. As we witness the unique blend of strength, elegance, and friendliness, the typeface stands as a testament to the enduring power of typography to convey meaningful narratives and inspire audiences to embrace compassion and conservation.