What it does
Vocal Type publishes retail typography and custom work researched through historical signs, newspapers and social movements. Its Martin family draws on the lettering of the Memphis sanitation workers’ protest placards.
Martin’s history page connects the design to the I AM A MAN placards and explains the wood-type and newspaper references behind its letters and punctuation. It also distinguishes the two current branches: Martin balances uppercase and lowercase forms, while Martin Display retains a stronger contrast between bold capitals and lighter lowercase. Both have expanded variable and italic options.
The Buy Martin page lists supported languages, a trial-font link and separate desktop-user and web-pageview tiers. Choose the output and scale before adding the family to the cart. Desktop licences cover print and static images; live website text requires the web licence. Both have perpetual terms within the purchased limits.
Web coverage includes one domain, its subdomains and development or staging sites for that website. An upgrade is required when pageviews exceed the allowance by more than 10% for over three consecutive months. External freelancers and agencies need their own desktop licences, and app or broadcast use requires separate coverage.
Strengths
- Explains the specific historical references behind a family’s forms.
- Distinguishes Martin’s text balance from Martin Display’s stronger case contrast.
- Includes staging sites and subdomains within the licensed website’s web coverage.
Watch out for
- External freelancers and agencies need their own desktop rights.
- Higher web traffic can trigger a licence upgrade.
- App and broadcast use are separate from ordinary desktop and web coverage.
Best for
- Exhibitions and publications considering typography’s historical context
- Designers comparing Martin and Martin Display
Sources
- History: Vocal Type (Oct 27, 2026)
- MARTIN: Vocal Type (Oct 27, 2026)
- Buy Martin: Vocal Type (Oct 27, 2026)
- Information: Vocal Type (Oct 27, 2026)
- Vocal Type Company: Desktop License (Oct 27, 2026)
- Vocal Type Company: Webfont License (Oct 27, 2026)