When speaking to a graphic designer or graphic artist, I found that font selection is a major decision in any product. Once I innocently asked, "What's your favorite font?" The answer started with "Well it depends..." One hour later, I still didn't have an answer.
As more people are writing their own blogs and e-newspapers, designing their own logos and invitations, and publishing their own do-it-yourself books, appropriate font selection is crucial. Readability and spacing make and break first impressions. If you don't have time to take classes in typefaces (i.e. fonts), I found this very useful and funny algorithm to serve as a guide.
Generally, the algorithm guides font-selection for:
- Books
- Invitations
- Infographics
- Logos
- Newspapers
Check out the larger version here: Typeface algorithm
For those interested in fonts -- and even for those who aren't -- I'd highly recommend the movie "Helvetica" (available on DVD). One wouldn't think that a documentary about a typeface could be fascinating, funny, and inspiring. One would be wrong.
ReplyDeleteDisclosure: I have no relationship of any kind with the film or its makers. I just stumbled upon a showing at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago several years ago, and was instantly turned into a font geek.
Hi Leon, Totally agree about the fantastic movie "Helvetica". Who knew that a documentary on typeface could be so engaging and funny!
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