Understanding the Role of Fonts in Design
Although many people probably think of colors or pictures when thinking of designs, one area that can be overlooked but is actually very important is fonts! Fonts are something that we see every single day. Every time you open an email, scroll on social media, or even drive on the highway, you’re constantly reading. Although you probably don’t question what font is on the road sign you passed, a designer specifically picked that font for a reason. Different types of fonts have different uses and are all important, but how can you tell the difference between font types and when you should use them? Keep reading to learn a little more about fonts!
Serif Fonts
Serif fonts are characterized by the small lines at the end of each letter stroke. The circled portion shows an example. Serif fonts are often described as professional and have a bit of an old-fashioned look to them. These types of fonts are often used in headlines and body copy.
Sans-Serif Fonts
As the name suggests, sans-serif fonts are ones without the serifs, or lines, at the end of each stroke. Sans-serif fonts are more of a clean, modern font that is easy to read. Sans-serif fonts are also able to be used in headlines or body copy. You can also mix a serif header font with a sans-serif body copy or vice versa to create more visual interest.
Display Fonts
This last type of font is known as a display or decorative font. These fonts come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. These fonts are meant to be eye-catching and to grab people’s interest. These fonts are usually fun, but they do need to be used sparingly and generally only as headlines or in another short, attention-grabbing way.
Where Can I Find Fonts to Use?
Now that you know the basic types of fonts, where should you find the perfect font for your next project? Our recommendation for free-to-use fonts, for both commercial and non-commercial use, is Google Fonts. They have a great library of options that you can download and install on your computer.
Fonts in Your Brand
It’s also important to keep in mind your company branding. Much like the logo you use or the colors on your site, you want to make sure that you keep your fonts consistent too. Consistency is key when it comes to being recognizable with your clients, and that includes making sure that you use the same fonts, or combination of fonts within your designs. It’s also important to make sure you only use 2 to 3 fonts maximum to keep things easy to read and understand and provide a clear visual hierarchy. If you need help with your branding, talk with our team today.
