Week 11 Page 5: Tips for Successfully Combining Typefaces
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As you have learned, some typefaces have strong personalities!
Just like a dinner party where some guests should NEVER sit next to each other, some typefaces should NEVER be used together. They clash instead of harmonize! Here are some basic rules about using typefaces together: Rule #1: Never, ever use two very similar typefaces together! Example: Two sans serif fonts together look awkward (as do two serif fonts!). Notice how the letters are similar but still have slight differences. Rule #2: Never, ever use two script typefaces together! Example: Two script fonts together create conflict and compete for attention (unless they are radically different). And... never, ever use scripts in capital letters! Rule #3: Never, ever use two fancy display typefaces together! Example: Two fancy display fonts together create a personality conflict and send mixed messages about the "mood." Rule #4: Go for selective contrast! Example: A sans serif and serif font combination usually works well because they are so radically different. If you're even tempted to use fancy fonts or scripts together, go for big contrasts! Also consider more subtle contrasts like bold, italic, condensed etc. Article on Combining Typefaces I have barely touched the surface of how to combine typefaces! It really is an art and takes practice. If you're interested in more complex information, read this great article: |
