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The hand-drawn sans serif typeface you need in your life.

The right typeface can elevate your design, conveying the perfect mood and message to your audience. Enter Thorn & Thistle, a hand-drawn sans serif typeface by Callie Rian & Co., which brings a unique blend of trendiness and classic beauty to your design projects. This blog post delves into the intricacies of this versatile font family and explores its various applications and benefits.

The Alluring Appeal of Thorn & Thistle

Thorn & Thistle stands out in the realm of typography due to its distinctive hand-drawn quality. The typeface features subtlety-inked corners and comes in three versatile versions: Regular, Rustic, and Shadowed. This variety makes it an ideal choice for a range of design needs, from magazine headlines to logo creation, packaging, quotes, and more.

Thorn & Thistle Layering Font by Callie Rian & Co.
Thorn & Thistle Layering Font by Callie Rian & Co.

Regular Version

The Regular Version of Thorn & Thistle is the most versatile of the three. With its clean lines and subtle inked corners, it maintains a balance between hand-crafted charm and professional polish. This version is compatible with cutting machines like Circuit or Silhouette, making it a fantastic option for crafting projects and DIY enthusiasts.

Rustic Version

For those seeking a more textured, organic look, the Rustic Version of Thorn & Thistle is the perfect choice. This version has a rugged, hand-sketched quality that adds depth and character to any design. However, due to its intricate details, it is not recommended for use with cutting machines, as the edges might be too irregular for precise cutting.

Shadowed Version

The Shadowed Version brings an additional layer of depth and dimension to your typography. The hand-drawn shadows create a striking visual effect, making your text pop off the page. This version is particularly effective for headlines, logos, and other prominent text elements that require a bold statement.

Crafting with Thorn & Thistle: Tips and Tricks

Before diving into your projects with Thorn & Thistle, it’s crucial to understand how to install and work with custom fonts and vector elements. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of this beautiful typeface:

  1. Installation: Ensure you have the necessary font files (OTF, TTF, and WOFF) for each version. Install these on your computer following standard procedures for your operating system.
  2. Vector Elements: Thorn & Thistle comes with vector elements in AI and EPS formats. Adobe Illustrator is the recommended software for editing these illustrations due to its robust vector editing capabilities.
  3. Western European Language Support: This font family includes support for Western European languages, making it a versatile choice for multilingual projects.
  4. Design Software: While Adobe Illustrator is ideal for vector elements, the font itself can be used in any design software that supports custom fonts, such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or even web design tools like Figma.

Applications and Inspiration

Thorn & Thistle is designed to be a go-to typeface for a variety of design projects. Here are some inspiring ways to use this hand-drawn sans serif:

  • Magazines: The clean yet unique style of the Regular version is perfect for magazine headlines and feature stories. It adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the content.
  • Logos: Each version of Thorn & Thistle can be used to create distinctive logos. The Rustic version adds a handcrafted feel, while the Shadowed version provides depth and emphasis.
  • Packaging: Whether you’re designing labels for artisanal products or stylish packaging for modern goods, Thorn & Thistle’s versatility ensures your text stands out.
  • Quotes: The hand-drawn quality of Thorn & Thistle makes it an excellent choice for designing quote graphics for social media or print.
  • DIY Projects: Compatibility with cutting machines (Regular version), you can use Thorn & Thistle for a variety of crafting projects, from vinyl decals to custom apparel.

Finding a font that combines trendiness with classic beauty can be a challenge. Thorn & Thistle by Callie Rian & Co. meets this need with its hand-drawn charm and versatile applications. Whether you’re a designer working on high-end magazine layouts or a crafter looking for the perfect typeface for your next project, Thorn & Thistle offers a unique and stylish solution. Embrace the subtle irregularities and hand-crafted essence of this typeface, and watch your designs come to life with an unparalleled flair.


Check out more recommended typefaces for different creative needs on WE AND THE COLOR.