Font Fun!
Although fonts may not be the most popular literary-themed subject to share, I can’t help but find it fascinating how the variety of lettering designs, called fonts, came about. Guess how many fonts exist in the world today? Over 200,000! That’s a lot of typeface fun!
The Old English font, called BLACKLETTER was the first invented font in the world. It has dramatically thick and thin strokes, think “Gothic”. This font evolved from the mid-12th century, Europe.
Pioneer, Johannes Gutenberg, through his mechanical moving type printer, produced the bible in the TEXTURA font. The Declaration of Independence? That was printed in a British font, CASLON. And I had no idea there was a “most hated” font! Even its creator, Vincent Connare doesn’t like it. Ha! COMIC SANS.
Beyond font history, the first question other fellow writers and book lovers ask me is what is the most often used typeface? Most of the signage you see, and the typeface on business forms, receipts, and invoices is the world-wide popular HELVETICA.
I also love the psychological aspect of fonts. As you may guess, different fonts communicate different messages. Most people are likely to believe the text written in BASKERVILLE rather than say, COMIC SANS. Diners reading a fancy font on their menus assume the chef more posh. Simple fonts on menus? Blah – no special kitchen skill, the mind tells us. Should you pick up a vibe of assertiveness, you are probably reading either GEORGIA, ROCKWELL BOLD or IMPACT fonts.
CASLON continues to be one of the most popular fonts today with lots of versions and interpretations. Some say this font conveys an inviting feeling. It gives a feeling of warmth and familiarity. Choose CASLON for historical novels and if a dependable feeling is desired.
Finally, ideally, online text should never be less than 10 pt in size, and keep it easy to read by using a font such as ARIAL, GEORGIA, VERDANA or TIMES NEW ROMAN.
Got a favorite font? Share it! The font used in my picture poetry book, SPIN A CIRCLE! uses a DYSLEXIE font. You can check out my book here. Spin a Circle!
The Old English font, called BLACKLETTER was the first invented font in the world. It has dramatically thick and thin strokes, think “Gothic”. This font evolved from the mid-12th century, Europe.
Pioneer, Johannes Gutenberg, through his mechanical moving type printer, produced the bible in the TEXTURA font. The Declaration of Independence? That was printed in a British font, CASLON. And I had no idea there was a “most hated” font! Even its creator, Vincent Connare doesn’t like it. Ha! COMIC SANS.
Beyond font history, the first question other fellow writers and book lovers ask me is what is the most often used typeface? Most of the signage you see, and the typeface on business forms, receipts, and invoices is the world-wide popular HELVETICA.
I also love the psychological aspect of fonts. As you may guess, different fonts communicate different messages. Most people are likely to believe the text written in BASKERVILLE rather than say, COMIC SANS. Diners reading a fancy font on their menus assume the chef more posh. Simple fonts on menus? Blah – no special kitchen skill, the mind tells us. Should you pick up a vibe of assertiveness, you are probably reading either GEORGIA, ROCKWELL BOLD or IMPACT fonts.
CASLON continues to be one of the most popular fonts today with lots of versions and interpretations. Some say this font conveys an inviting feeling. It gives a feeling of warmth and familiarity. Choose CASLON for historical novels and if a dependable feeling is desired.
Finally, ideally, online text should never be less than 10 pt in size, and keep it easy to read by using a font such as ARIAL, GEORGIA, VERDANA or TIMES NEW ROMAN.
Got a favorite font? Share it! The font used in my picture poetry book, SPIN A CIRCLE! uses a DYSLEXIE font. You can check out my book here. Spin a Circle!
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Laurel
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Apr 29, 2021 11:33AM
I've noticed how fonts effect me psychologically and often wondered why using different fonts is often "frowned upon" for school papers and such, especially creative writing. As an adjunct professor, I understand the need for continuity between papers, but several students have wanted to use fonts creatively to add another texture to their stories and poems. It's an interesting discussion.
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Such an interesting topic. To follow up on Laurel's comment, new writers will often send me manuscripts in what they consider "creative" fonts, and what I consider illegible. It's a fine line (pun intended)!
Laurel wrote: "I've noticed how fonts effect me psychologically and often wondered why using different fonts is often "frowned upon" for school papers and such, especially creative writing. As an adjunct professo..."Yes, so many aspects to consider, Laurel. Great thoughts. Thanks.
Marian wrote: "Such an interesting topic. To follow up on Laurel's comment, new writers will often send me manuscripts in what they consider "creative" fonts, and what I consider illegible. It's a fine line (pun ..."Ha! Yes, a "fine line" - I know what you mean.
