Everyone has heard the phrase, “The mountains are calling and I must go,” but not everyone is entirely familiar with who said it. If you fall into this category of the unfamiliar, let us introduce you to John Muir, also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks.” A profound author, environmental philosopher and first-moving advocate of wilderness preservation here in the U.S. (amongst many other things), he left an undying legacy. 

With an undying love for the outdoors and all things adventure ourselves, it felt right that Vicarel Studios’ inaugural typeface be not only inspired by vintage National Parks posters but aptly named: John Muir Sans. Inspired by the typography used by the National Park Service, specifically NPS 1935, this new font pays homage to John Muir and the legacy he left behind.

The work of Vicarel Studios’ creative director Adam Vicarel has always been heavily influenced by the experience of travel, the spirit of adventure, and the freedom of the outdoors. In the fall/summer of 2018, Adam had the opportunity to create a lettering and illustration-based graphic set for Zeal Optics, an adventure eyewear brand based in Boulder, Colorado.