Proper Font Selection
by: Maricon Williams
In times when you are writing a message in your computer, have you ever asked yourself the following questions: How will I convey my message with the use of my fonts? Do I need several colors? Am I going to use big, bold, crisp or spaced fonts? Well, you are not alone in this dilemma. To help you with it, just read on..
Fonts are the crossing point between writers and readers. This is the reason why they have to be catchy in appearance and content.
Presentation is crucial because it is not only the superb content that draws the reader's attention. It starts with the font's character. It should speak for itself. Font's role is to get attention, enhance readability, set and atmosphere and most importantly projects an image. To be able to play the role well, we need to follow certain guidelines.
The first rule is to know what case to use. Avoid using all upper or lower case especially in the body of your composition because it is hard to read. Use upper case in titles and headings only if it is necessary. Do not make the readers curse you while reading your message.
The generally accepted size of a font is between 10-12 point for the body, 14-48 point for primary headings and one half of the primary heading point size for secondary headings. Be aware though, that fonts may appear larger in computer than the actual size.
Keep the font simple. Your font is used to augment your message and not to impair it. Simplicity is still a virtue in writing so bear in mind using simple fonts not exaggerated ones.
Sometimes variation is necessary. Variety is most of the time used to break the monotony. Examples of variation are underlining of the text, italization, making the letters bold, highlighting and the likes. But it will be overstressed if you used them all so use them sparingly.
The last rule is to match your font with your medium. You can break other aforestated rules provided that it blends with your medium. Every project has many perspectives. Some are intended to general public some are specific. Some are serious others are funny. But whatever your approach and typeface it must redound to the benefit of your project and not to destroy its goal.
After you are through reading these rules, ask yourself, am I using my fonts perfectly? If so continue what you've started. But if not, try to change your ways for the better. Communication is more than just words. Actually, there are a lot of things that we should consider to achieve not just comprehension but retention.
