Fonts Have Feelings, Too
September 18, 2014
CONSUME CREATIVELY
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If someone overheard Monica and I searching for a font for a design they would be quite entertained:
“No, gross, that one’s nasty.”
“That one! It’s, like…..halfway between feminine and masculine.”
“Yeah! It’s clean and tidy, easy on the eyes.”
We’re font lovers. I genuinely get excited when I’m asked to find a font for a project another designer is working on. (I’m not even going to tell you how many fonts I have on my computer at home… Let’s just say I’m addicted.)
We’ve previously explained the basic styles. We’ve given you the resources to find awesome fonts. We’ve encouraged you to consider them when designing a logo. Heck, we even have an e-book about fonts! (And logos, too, if that’s your thing.)
But today…
Let’s Talk Font Feelings (Ew, Feelings!)
With thousands of fonts out there, there are plenty of styles for you to choose from. But styles aside, what about the feeling a font can portray? Some fonts feel masculine and sturdy, they’re dominating and really grab your attention. Others are soft and flowing, creating a more feminine feel. We’re going to visit masculine, feminine, childish, casual and trending fonts while looking at examples of serif, sans serif, handwritten and script styles of each. Don’t be afraid of your emotions, fonts are fun!
Trending Fonts
Font trends change constantly, but I will say that I am a BIG fan of the current trending fonts. They make me say, “Yeah!” When perusing the Most Popular fonts on FontSquirrel, I found the common thread:
It appears block sans serifs are in style, whether thick or super thin; if there are popular serifs they’re SUPER serifs, curly and whimsical. Say “Goodbye!” to traditional serifs.
Sans Serif
Serif
SerifScript
Script
Handwritten
Feminine
I think it’s common to associate feminine fonts with loopy, curly, flowing styles. But not all feminine fonts scream “I’m girly!” Personally, I think the following fonts have a feminine feel without having heart-dotted “i”s.
Sans Serif
To me, this font feels just like The Roaring 20s fashion. I think it’s the hard-angled “e”.
Serif
The delicate serifs of this font carry a certain elegance.
Script
Not all feminine feeling scripts have to be super loopy.
Handwritten
I can see a modern business woman writing like this.
Masculine
Not all masculine fonts have to be super bold, hard edged or loud. Some simple, easy fonts can feel masculine, too.
Sans Serif
I think what keeps this font with it’s masculine feel is the narrowness and height of the circular letters.
Serif
For a more masculine serif, look for serifs that are more straight and less curvy or calligraphy-like.
Script
While this script is semi-loopy, the hard, short strokes of the other letters keep it’s masculine feel.
Handwritten
Well, now this font does feel totally masculine.
Childish
When we think of childish fonts, I’m sure crayon-style fonts come to mind, probably in red, blue and yellow. But what about fonts that go into children’s books? They have to be legible, yet have a fun sort of quality. Here are some sample childish fonts that are a happy medium.
Sans Serif
The slightly winged-out serifs on this font give a playful, childish look.
Serif
Can’t you see this in a children’s book?
Script
While this is obviously not a child’s handwriting, it does have a youthful feel.
Handwritten
Doesn’t this bring you right back to grade school??
Casual
To me, casual fonts are just….there. They’re unpretentious, not trying to say much (no pun intended). They’re good, reliable sturdy fonts that serve a number of purposes.
Sans Serif
This font is a nice, simple, yet bold sans serif.
Serif
While this font would be considered “fun,” it’s still a simple serif…just with a little sketch to it.
Script
This would be your typical easy script.
Handwritten
This font is good for a simple handwritten font.
Who Manifested This Madness?
This fabulous human, that's who.
Monica Maye Pitts
Monica is the creative force and founder of MayeCreate. She has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with an emphasis in Economics, Education and Plant Science from the University of Missouri. Monica possesses a rare combination of design savvy and technological know-how. Her clients know this quite well. Her passion for making friends and helping businesses grow gives her the skills she needs to make sure that each client, or friend, gets the attention and service he or she deserves.
