German designer Martin Jagodzinski created the font in 1999.
Martin Jagodzinski says that Linotype Tetria "came from the need for a compact, constructivist typeface. The font combines the expression of simplicity of the 'norm' typefaces like DIN Mittelschrift with elements of Old Face typefaces which optimize legibility. It therefore contains old style figures and a larger stroke contrast, which makes the font legible even in smaller point sizes."
Sources of inspiration for Linotype Tetria were the designs of Joost Schmidt and Herbert Bayer as well as the norm typefaces. The name comes from the Greek word for 'four', tetra. "Four is the number of many simple and useful objects, four wheels on a car, four corners of a book. Also, the basic forms of Linotype Tetria come from the simple geometric form of the square." The space-saving Linotype Tetria is well-suited to a variety of uses, from corporate typeface to text to display on posters, flyers or onscreen.
Linotype Tetria is a trademark of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions, exclusively licensed through Linotype GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.
Please take a look at the
personal designer portrait of Martin Jagodzinski.