The Sans Twins System Chart
The Sans Twins System Chart
The Sans Twins
The Sans Twins are a versatile system of sans-serif fonts, featuring both Humanist (Slavko) and Neogrotesk styles (Slavica). This system leverages the linear and minimalist structure of sans-serif fonts to categorize letterforms into three groups: simple shapes, style-defining, and distinct letters. Simple shapes form the foundation of both fonts, establishing proportions and serving as building blocks for more complex forms. Style-defining lettershapes also have a basic structure, with variations defined by stroke endings (vertical or horizontal) and connections (interrupted or continuous), historically linked to Humanist and Neogrotesk styles. Distinct letters provide unique character, ranging from simple to complex forms. By changing these particular letters, the fonts can adopt three specific styles: Expressive, Neutral, or Minimal. With three stylistic sets each, the Sans Twins encompass all major sans-serif styles.
The Twins’ Dad
📸 Urban Cerjak
Žiga Artnak (b. 1986) is a Slovenian designer with a long-standing fascination for letterforms. Although he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana, the idea behind Sans Twins grew primarily out of his background in graffiti. Instead of approaching type through historical classifications and conventions, he began with a more graphic way of thinking by building letters as systems of two-dimensional forms and exploring how to give them character and movement. This approach ultimately led to the development of a unified type system that brings together two seemingly opposing sans-serif traditions into a single, coherent family.
Alongside type design, Artnak is a member of the graffiti-turned-art collective ZEK Crew and the printmaking collective Sreda v Sredo. His work spans typography, graphic design and intaglio printmaking, and has been exhibited and recognized in Slovenia and internationally.