Bulletproof Fonts
Posted by admin on August 27th, 2007One of the most difficult and crucial parts of a designer’s job is to choose a typeface that fits the overall appearance of the client’s corporate identity. To know how to make that decision, one of the very first things designers need to know is that there are two major categories that all typefaces belong to: serif or sans-serif. Serif fonts are fonts with a little “foot” or strokes on the ends of the characters. Sans-serif are fonts without these strokes.
Examples of serif fonts:
Times, Georgia
Examples of sans-serif fonts:
Verdana, Arial
Most of time, when the brand has a more classic, traditional look, you would usually go for a serif font (example: www.alistapart.com). When the brand is more modern, sleek and clean, you would usually go for the sans-serif look (example: www.apple.com).
Awhile ago I came upon this site that compiled a list of 80 ‘bulletproof’ fonts that professional designers like to use for their designs. It’s a great guide for those who needs a start on pick the right typeface to fit their corporate identity. You can see the list here.
Awhile ago, I came upon this site that compiled a list of 80 “bulletproof” fonts that professional designers like to use for their designs. It’s a great guide for those who need a start on picking the right typeface to fit their corporate identity. You can see the list here.
So next time, before you haste to choose that Comic sans for your design, look through the list and you just might find something better.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:28 am
The New York Times (Sunday Magazine) had a fascinating article on the development of an improved font for signs on US highways. The article drives home the concepts you raise, and gives examples of how the new font will be easier to read, especially when it is dark or foggy.
[”The Road to Clarify” by Joshua Yaffa, NYT Magazine, 8/12/2007]