Picking a Super Duper Font

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Fonts don’t have to be so scary, that’s what Jamie always tells me. So today, I’m dropping all my knowledge on picking a super duper font!

Let’s learn about type styles, licensing, what to look for, where to look, and how to use. 🙈Phew!! That’s some good stuff.

Before you start googling “cool font” you first should know the different type styles:

SERIF
Has a stroke at end of letters which can vary in thickness.
This is the mosttraditional style of type.


SANS SERIF
Has no stroke at end of letters.
Great for text.
Pairs well with other more detailed fonts.


SCRIPT
Also called hand-written or calligraphy type.
Harder to read.
Best for just a few words or headline.


DISPLAY
Also called decorative type.
Used for a few words and larger words, like a headline.
Has a lot of personality.

I don’t want any of my students to be law breakers, so…let’s look at some licensing stuff real quick. Boring but pretty dang important!

  • When you purchase a font you are actually purchasing a license from the owner that allows you to use the font in a particular way. Like a copyright for designers.
  • Consider these things…
    • Commercial or personal
    • One user or many
    • Offline or online
  • Your answers effect what license you will need.
  • Always check the website (yes, even dafont.com) for licensing information. Just because it isn’t in an obvious place doesn’t mean you can use fonts any way you wish.
  • You wouldn’t want someone using your designs for free all across town, now would ya!?

Think about this: What do you want to wear to work vs. what do you actually wear most days?

You may want to add pizazz to your design and pick a crazy fabulous font (aka wear sequined body suit), but that doesn’t mean it is more appropriate for the project (stick with a nice yellow sweater)

Make sure the font you choose…

  • Relates to the tone and vibe of the design
  • Has a good purpose in the design
  • Is it for copy or a headline?
  • Is easy to read

Ok, teach. This is all great, but where do I start looking for the raddest fonts of all time?

Design 101, Mrs. Wheeler

July 16, 2020