About the Various Types of Fonts
When developing marketing materials and signage for your company, it is important that you consider the type of signage font you will use to represent your brand. As with any other design element, the style of font should reflect your brand’s character and personality.
As you work to determine the fonts you will use for your brand, here is some information about each of the main categories of signage fonts you are likely to come across.
- Serif: Serif fonts have lines or “feet” attached to the ends of the letters, called serifs. They are typically used in more serious or traditional settings. The most frequently used example is Times New Roman.
- Sans serif: Sans serif fonts do not have those serifs attached to the ends of the letters. They are used to provide a more modern or streamlined appearance. There are some who believe serifs can make passages in print easier to read, but that sans serif fonts are easier to read on digital applications, especially at smaller sizes. This is, of course, often debated among designers. Examples of sans serif fonts include Arial, Helvetica and Verdana.
- Script: Script fonts are fonts that resemble cursive or handwriting, often featuring connecting letters. They can range from casual, hand-drawn letters to elegant cursive. A common example is Edwardian Script.
- Decorative: A decorative or novelty font is specifically designed to get your attention. They are not as much practical as they are a marketing tool, and should only be used in small amounts to provide a specific effect.
Choosing the right font type for your brand
The type of font you choose depends on the application in which it is being used.
For a logo, many companies will opt for decorative, unique fonts that immediately call their brand to mind, though there are, of course, some exceptions. A law firm, for example, might choose to use a professional serif font in its logo.
For applications such as practical signage, however, brands will typically opt for sans serif fonts. The primary reason for this is that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires all signage relating to accessibility use sans serif font for it to be considered ADA compliant. This is because sans serif fonts are easier to read and distinguish for the visually impaired.
For more information about the various types of fonts and how to choose the right one for your brand, contact us today at Erie Custom Signs.
