Stencil in Use: A Fresh Look at a Classic Typographic Form

Stencil fonts often get boxed into a very specific aesthetic: military, industrial or utilitarian. But Stencil in Use, a new book designed by London-based graphic designer Ben Lee (aka BD85 BD85) and published by Victionary, offers a more expansive view. This thoughtfully curated collection highlights how stencil typefaces can be expressive, geometric and contemporary, pushing beyond their usual associations to reveal surprising versatility and bold visual impact.

The book builds on the format of Victionary’s earlier Sans/Sans Serif In Use titles, this time diving deep into stencil typography through a range of type specimens and real-world applications. From big, dramatic headlines to more refined, minimal executions, the featured designs show how strategic cuts and negative space can transform text into something sculptural. Alongside the visuals, there’s also insight into the thinking behind the designs, making this a solid resource for anyone who works with type.

Ben’s design approach brings a sharp sense of structure to the book, balancing form and function in a way that echoes the stencil genre itself. With a background spanning studios like SPIN, Two Times Elliott and New York-based agency Porto Rocha, his editorial and typographic sensibilities are clearly at play here. You can see more of Ben’s work on Behance, and if you’d like to pick up a copy of the book, you can find it on Amazon.

More graphic design inspiration via Behance