Typography Tips: Choosing the Right Font for the Right Message

Understand Font Categories

• Serif Fonts: Traditional, professional, and elegant. Ideal for print materials, editorial design, and formal communication. Examples: Times New Roman, Garamond.

• Sans-Serif Fonts: Modern, clean, and minimal. Perfect for digital interfaces, tech brands, and contemporary designs. Examples: Helvetica, Arial.

• Script Fonts: Personal, artistic, and decorative. Best for invitations, branding, and creative projects. Examples: Brush Script, Pacifico.

• Display Fonts: Bold, eye-catching, and unique. Use sparingly for headlines and logos. Examples: Impact, Bebas Neue.
  
  

Hierarchy and Contrast
Establish a clear hierarchy by using different font sizes, weights, and styles. Headlines should be bold and large, while body text should be smaller and easy to read. Contrast between headings and body copy helps guide the reader’s eye.

Readability
Prioritise legibility. For large bodies of text, avoid overly stylised or decorative fonts. Stick to fonts that are easy on the eyes, particularly on screens. A line height of 1.5x and clear spacing between letters enhance readability.

Context Matters
Match your font choice to the project’s tone. A financial report demands a professional serif font, while a children’s website might benefit from a playful, rounded sans-serif font.

Limit Font Pairings
Stick to 2-3 fonts per design. Combining too many fonts creates clutter. A safe approach is pairing a serif for headings with a sans-serif for body text.

Choosing the right font involves balancing aesthetics, function, and message. Thoughtful typography ensures your design communicates effectively and leaves a lasting impression.