How to choose fonts: Step by step

Summary

The video script offers a comprehensive guide on selecting and pairing fonts effectively. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the mood and message of a design brief, and choosing fonts that convey the desired emotion and status. The presenter shares a five-step process, starting with identifying design goals and keywords, to building a list of go-to fonts, looking for upgrades, and finally testing and refining font choices. The script also discusses the value of understanding type anatomy and classification, and the practical aspects of font licensing and availability. By following these steps, designers can enhance their typographic skills and create visually appealing and effective designs.

Takeaways

• 📝 Start by defining the mood and keywords for your design project to guide your font selection process.
• ✍️ Write down what you're looking for in terms of functionality and aesthetics for your fonts.
• 🔍 Begin with your go-to typefaces, creating a list of fonts you're familiar with and know how to work with.
• 🌟 Look for upgrades by considering more distinctive or personality-driven fonts that can elevate your design.
• 💡 Evaluate fonts based on their suitability for the brief, legibility, and how well they convey the desired mood and message.
• 📚 Learn about type anatomy and classification to better understand and evaluate different fonts.
• 🎨 Pair fonts carefully, aiming for a harmonious combination that supports your design's hierarchy and message.
• 🔧 Test your font choices extensively in various sizes, contexts, and applications to ensure they work well together.
• 💼 Consider licensing and budget constraints when selecting fonts for your project, supporting type designers through proper font licensing.
• 🌐 Utilize resources like Google Fonts and Adobe Fonts for a wide range of options, as well as independent type foundries for unique choices.
• 📈 Improve your typographic skills over time through practice, learning, and developing a keen eye for type aesthetics and functionality.

Q & A

What is the first step in selecting the right type for a design job according to the video?

The first step is to write down what you're looking for, which involves understanding the brief and identifying keywords that convey the desired mood and emotion for the design.

Why is it important to consider both the functional and aesthetic qualities of type in design?

Type has both functional and aesthetic qualities. The functional aspect is about legibility and conveying information, while the aesthetic aspect evokes certain emotions and moods, enhancing the visual communication beyond just the content of the words.

What should be considered when thinking about the use of fonts in different formats?

One should consider whether the design is for digital or print, or both. This can affect the choice of fonts, sizes, and how they might appear responsively on different devices.

How can having a list of go-to typefaces help in the design process?

Having a list of go-to typefaces can save time and ensure consistency in design work. Familiarity with a set of fonts allows designers to know how to effectively typeset and work with them, leading to more efficient and confident design choices.

What is the significance of understanding type anatomy and classification in font selection?

Understanding type anatomy and classification helps designers quickly evaluate and choose fonts that are appropriate for the project. It provides a foundational knowledge that allows for better discernment of font distinctions and their suitability for specific design needs.

How can one determine if a font is suitable for a project based on its features?

A font's suitability can be determined by evaluating its readability, character set completeness, font family range (including italics and various weights), and how well it supports the languages or scripts required for the project.

What is the role of independent type foundries in the font selection process?

Independent type foundries offer a curated collection of fonts often with a distinct aesthetic or approach. Trusting a foundry's quality control can lead to reliable and distinctive font choices for a design project.

What are some ways to evaluate and compare fonts for a design project?

Fonts can be evaluated by comparing them with classics, looking at recommendations, testing them with real copy, and assessing their complementary features. Designers should also consider practical concerns like language support and legibility across different sizes and formats.

Why is it recommended to limit the number of distinct typefaces used in a layout?

Limiting the number of distinct typefaces helps avoid visual clutter and maintains a harmonious, cohesive design. Too many different fonts can create confusion and distract from the content and message of the design.

How can one ensure that the chosen fonts work well together in a design?

Fonts can be ensured to work well together by pairing them from the same typeface family, ensuring they have complementary features, and testing them in various layouts and sizes. It's also advised to have a consistent design system for font pairing across the project.

What is the final step in the font selection process as outlined in the video?

The final step is to test and retest the chosen fonts in as many relevant applications as possible. This includes trying them in different sizes, formats, and on various devices to ensure they work well across all intended uses.