Vala™ dances across printed pages and shines on screen. This is a high-energy design that blends the grace of an English Roundhand script with the gravitas of an extra bold Bodoni. There is even a bit of romance in the design. Vala speaks with a resonate voice – and knows few bounds. The typeface enhances print headlines, subheads, cover art and packaging. The design also brings its distinctive melding of verve and poise to banners, headings, navigational links and branding in web sites, blog posts, games and apps.

Oscar Guerrero found inspiration for Vala in shop window lettering near his home in Bogotá, Colombia. "The capital A, R and V caught my attention and I photographed the window for future reference," he explains. "Later I started to draw more letters inspired by the ones in the window." Guerrero admits that he has always admired the work of Giambattista Bodoni and allowed his classic Didone designs to infuse Vala. Striking contrast in stroke weights, lively ball-terminals and a large x-height give Vala the grace and force of a Waikiki wave.

Not satisfied with just a basic character set, Guerrero also took advantage of OpenType's capabilities and drew a complete set of swash capitals, a bevy of fancy ligatures, and a suite of lowercase alternative designs. The result is that Vala easily emulates custom lettering in posters, headlines and logotypes.

The "romantic" part of Vala? Guerrero dedicated the design to his girlfriend, Valentina, and named it after her.