Typography is one of the most important aspects of graphic design, and when it comes to fonts, more isn’t always more. These days, when it seems like the number of fonts to choose from is endless, the selection process can feel overwhelming at times. Regardless of what type of design project you’re working on, below are two universal tips to remember when choosing fonts:
Number of Fonts
One common mistake that many new designers make is using too many fonts. Overloading on fonts distracts the audience, causing them to miss important information. The best way to avoid this is to follow the rule of three. There should be no more than three fonts per design: one for the header, another for the sub header, and another for body copy. Of course, there are always exceptions to a rule. If you feel you must use more than three fonts, then limit them to just two or three typefaces.
Pairing of Fonts
When working with multiple fonts, avoid contradictory fonts, as well as fonts that look too similar. Fonts that are too different can destroy the cohesiveness of the design, as well as disrupt the message. Fonts that are too similar may be seen as a mistake on part of the designer. Don’t be discouraged to use fonts from different typefaces; you can absolutely do this, as long as they complement each other.