Because of this, serifs are still generally the go-to typeface for printed works such as books or reports, though it’s not an absolute rule. Essentially, serifs allow for more comfortable reading at length, as the serifs guide the eye smoothly from character to character, making the serif ideal for long-form printed works. Generally, serifs have a longer history than san serifs, as they were the first typefaces used to print books following the invention of the Gutenberg Press. Even some of the fonts originally designed for screens have become outdated as displays and printers become higher resolution and capable of displaying more complex shapes accurately. Thus, there have been many alternatives or updates created since they were introduced. Each of the typefaces in this article is decades, if not centuries old, and were all designed for different technological contexts. Some of the most influential typefaces in use today are often overlooked in favor of unique typeface designs that are newer to the market-and sometimes rightly so. Do most designers even know about the original industrial contexts for which various typefaces were designed? What do these contexts and histories mean for determining the legibility, appropriate character, and use of a given typeface? No matter what design discipline one is working in-whether it’s visual design or UX or traditional print design, typefaces are essential elements of virtually every bit of design produced.
![popular san serif typefaces popular san serif typefaces](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/kts928pd/production/07204c41e5345a1c6d1acf43a95b2ace2abcee28-1140x620.png)
But how many people ever really notice the typeface styles they’re surrounded by every day?Įven designers underappreciate typefaces and often form type decisions on loosely-based opinion rather than objective understanding. From the apps on their phones to the grooming products in their bathrooms to the signs they see on their morning commute, typography is everywhere. Collect fonts and get familiar with different styles and characteristics.The vast majority of people are bombarded with typefaces from the moment they wake up in the morning until the moment they go to bed at night. Learn how to the build design with the type that you love. We also suggest looking at artists who use type to create their art. Pay attention to how type is used to express a brand. Every product and media channel uses type. What is your advice for people new to typography? Sometimes the answer is the first group you found, other times maybe the fiftieth combination. You’re going to play, trying different combinations to see what they express. If you pick three fonts, you aren’t going to settle for one or two design combinations.
![popular san serif typefaces popular san serif typefaces](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YedHRy8RqPQ/T2_ooIHIYCI/AAAAAAAAAEA/nhE2LWbYZ90/s1600/original_355637_jP0_s2TqHFc0LI3PDyRKMEsb9.jpg)
What is your advice for designers working with fonts?ĭon’t be afraid to explore and experiment! The more you work with type, the better you become. Strong and bold? Whimsical and fun? Delicate and elegant? Aggressive and loud? Happy and energetic? Serious and academic? Identify that feeling, and then look at the form that reflects it the best. We always think that form follows feeling. What is your process for selecting typefaces? It can be industrial, elegant, luxurious, or architectural.īecause there’s an honesty to them. Sans-serif is flexible - from thick to thin, to short and tall, and to bold and refined. It gives us a lot of textures to work with. Because we love sans-serif! It’s bold, clean, and modern.