The second topic in our Design Trends series is Typography.
Typography is the art of designing and arranging type. Although it has been around since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, these days most of us immediately think of it in terms of fonts or typefaces. There are literally millions of fonts available these days, from grungy handwritten scrawls to elegant modern type. So, what type of type should you use? Here are a couple trends we are seeing:
1. Web Fonts
Websites are no longer limited to Times New Roman or Arial, now days you can liven up your design or tighten your branding with web fonts. Google Fonts is a popular free application providing some really great typefaces you can use on your website. Maven Pro, Cabin, and Lobster are some of our favorites.
2. Retro is Modern
Retro fonts are back in a big way. We see all kinds of fonts referencing the 1920s-1950s making a resurgence in modern designs. You only need look as far as this year's Respite Care Holiday Ball to see our most recent usage.
3. Chalkboard Mix
The resurgence in the use of chalkboards at restaurants and shops has led to some pretty fantastic typography in recent years. This has also spurred the use of chalkboard-like fonts and layouts in other places. Design tip: use several different fonts that complement each other to create a more visually interesting design.
4. Grunge & Handwritten Fonts
Grunge fonts add elements of age or degradation to the type. This can add character to an otherwise plain design. Handwritten fonts also add a human element to warm up a design.
The right typeface is a great way to add that little extra something to your next project. The options are endless! What are some of your favorite trends in typography?
Sources: http://google.com/fontshttp://losttype.comhttp://artill.dehttp://bigredclifford.com
Comments to this post
Font-astic!
I love some of the retro fonts. This article made me think if only there were a way to log the ones we see that we like when out-and-about and find their names later, for those of us who aren't graphic artists. I found a site called whatthefont dot com. Seems to be a good resource. Or I guess you could just contact your local marketing company and seek an expert ;-)
There's an app for that!
Justin, we agree, in-person font experts know best, but it seems like there is an app for everything these days! We haven't tried this ourselves, so we are not sure how effective it is. It looks a little tedious too, but it may work for you! http://www.myfonts.com/WhatTheFont/mobile/