{"id":3251,"date":"2023-05-30T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/?p=3251"},"modified":"2025-02-04T12:38:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T17:38:27","slug":"what-fonts-go-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/what-fonts-go-together\/","title":{"rendered":"What Fonts Go Together?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I know\u2026I know!  I\u2019ve written a lot of posts about Fonts<\/a><\/strong>.  My guess is that right now you think I\u2019m beating the proverbial dead horse.  Am I right?  \ud83d\ude09  I have just one more font topic that I hope you’ll find helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get real for just a second here.  Most scrapbookers are font hoarders (present company included).  And most of us will use more than one font on a given layout.  Sadly, too many of us likely don\u2019t pay enough attention to what fonts ideally \u201cgo together\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different fonts can be used to draw attention, lead the eye around the page, or even form the foundation of a title.  And as I mentioned in my post about fonts & eyebrows<\/a><\/strong>, many fonts have distinct moods or personalities\u2014serious, casual, playful, elegant.  You want to make sure the moods of your font choices match not only the theme of your layout but that they don\u2019t elicit conflicting feelings or impressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is a good font pairing?  This is a difficult question to answer.  But I\u2019ll give you some basic tips that just might help you answer that question…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Font Pairings<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bad Pairings<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I should probably start with an easier question – what are bad font pairings? Here\u2019s a simple analogy. There is nothing more refreshing than brushing your teeth and then taking a sip of fresh orange juice. Right? Wrong. If you think that\u2019s okay, I\u2019m not at all sure what else to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same goes for anyone who thinks it\u2019s okay to pair any blackletter typeface with a script in any design. If you think that\u2019s an acceptable combination, stop doing what you\u2019re doing and keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In design, there truly are no “real” rules. There are endless color combinations, element placement options, and font pairing possibilities. But just because there are an infinite number of good possibilities doesn\u2019t mean that bad ideas don\u2019t exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019d think that as long as you pair fonts that look similar, you\u2019d be safe. Just the opposite. Combining fonts that are extremely similar, but just slightly different can cause conflict and confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Font<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Fonts that share no relationship at all are not great either.  Things that look random and haphazard tend to evoke a feeling of discord and should probably be avoided. That is unless it’s the effect you’re going for \u2013 perhaps on a \u201cwrestling\u201d layout. Font pairs that have nothing in common typically won\u2019t translate into one, coherent feeling for the reader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I know I\u2019ve said this before but it bears repeating. Too many fonts is a bad thing.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Too<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We all know there are thousands of fonts from which to choose when looking for a few that go well together. Now isn\u2019t a great time to be indecisive. Rule of thumb is to pair no more than three fonts for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many projects benefit from sticking to this rule, it\u2019s not one set in stone. There are plenty of elaborate designs that use more than three, but there is such a thing as overdoing it. If you go beyond three fonts, be sure that they work in harmony, not in chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good Pairings<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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\"Good<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For most of us, choosing good font pairings can be more than just a little challenging, and finding the perfect match can seem quite elusive with so many fonts from which to choose.  It\u2019s not just the pairing of the fonts that is hard.  You also have to decide whether they are used in Titles, Sub-titles, Journaling, captions and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good font combinations tend to be fonts that share certain similarities, but contrast in some specific way.\u00a0 A common way to combine fonts is to use fonts in the same family, or created by the same designer.\u00a0 Sometimes designers release font pairs which make it easy for us (i.e., Cherston<\/a><\/strong>, Righton<\/a><\/strong> & Parliament<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless, a font should always enhance the message (or vibe) you are trying to convey; and pairing up fonts with different personalities will catch people\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For example, Yellowtail<\/a><\/strong>, a cursive font, suits the fun and casual content of the Waffles graphic above. Raleway<\/a><\/strong> was used for the subtitle to create some balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips For Pairing<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Best<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> All of the fonts used in the image above (with the exception of Na\u00efve Line Sans) can be found free at various font sites.  Just search for the font name and you should be able to find it free. <\/strong>Additionally, there is a reasonably good free alternative for Na\u00efve Lans Sans – Comfortaa Thin<\/a><\/strong> at WhatFontIs.com if you\u2019d like to check that one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding your perfect font match is not impossible.  Just observe a few guidelines as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Contrast Serif fonts with a Sans Serif Font<\/strong>.  Serif Fonts have small decorative lines or embellishments at the ends of characters, while Sans Serif fonts do not include the decorative lines.  A classic example of a Serif font is Times Roman and an example of a Sans Serif font is Helvetica.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Title vs Journaling Font<\/strong>.  Preferably choose a Sans Serif or Display title and a Serif Font for the journaling text.  This pairing works because there is high contrast.  It\u2019s also a good match between classic and modern.  Start with your preferred title then pair it with a few journaling fonts to see what works best.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Think about the personality of the font<\/strong>.  Consider the mood you wish to achieve.  If it\u2019s a formal occasion or invitation, then flourish-y, fancy fonts will work.  But they might not work for a school theme where you want to make impact.  Instead, choose a bold font.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Check you have all the elements<\/strong>.  Before choosing a font, check that all the letters and characters you wish to use, come with that font, as well as your preferred language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Check for legibility<\/strong>.  Look at your font choices from different distances and in different sizes.  Are they legible and easy to read when used alone and when paired together?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Be inspired by what works<\/strong>.  Look at different font combinations that you see on other layouts or in articles you\u2019ve read.  Designers have carefully chosen these combinations, so you know they already work!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Choose the right font for the right background<\/strong>.  Choose a simple, minimalistic, bold font if you are going to be adding it to a busy background (or over an image).  If you have a plain background, then by all means, add some flourish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Use Filters and Blur<\/strong>.  If you need to make your font pop, then use filters over your image. Or blur the background.  These are powerful strategies for working with a detailed background image.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Don\u2019t use too many fonts<\/strong>.  Using just two fonts is the ideal number.  Three is typically the maximum most \u201cdesigners\u201d recommend.  If you must use more than two fonts, then consider choosing two of them from within the same font family.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Experiment with font weight<\/strong>.  You can use the same font, but in a different font weight.  This adds the \u201ceffect\u201d of an extra font.  You could even experiment with using 3 different font weights of the same font (i.e., light, regular, bold).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Simple Examples Of Contrasting Fonts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    I love Kimberly Geswein\u2019s fonts. I\u2019m nearly certain that you should be able to find all of them at DaFont.com<\/a><\/strong>. Below you\u2019ll find some examples of great pairing ideas using some of her fonts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pairing all CAPS with a script font<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Fonts used in this example are: KG The Fighter & KG Part Of Me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pair skinny fonts with chunky ones<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Fonts used in this example are: KG The Last Time & KG I Need A Font.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pair fancy fonts with simple fonts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Fonts used in this example are: KG Call Me Maybe & Janda Happy Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pair the lowercase with the Capitals of one font<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Font used in this example is: KG Ways To Say Goodbye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pair different but similar styles<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Fonts used in this example are: KG Let Her Go Outline & KG Tangled Up In You.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pair wide & narrow fonts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Fonts used in this example are: KG Eyes Wide Open & KG Something To Believe In.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pair tall & short fonts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Pair<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Fonts used in this example are: KG No Regrets Solid & KG Behind These Hazel Eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can find many more font pairing examples on the internet.  I\u2019ve really only touched on the tip of the iceberg for you here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Single Most Important Tip About Font Pairings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t go crazy with a dozen different fonts on one layout.  There needs to be some unifying quality to them and they need to suit their purpose.  A good rule of thumb is to keep them to about 3.  No more than 5.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    As I\u2019ve said so many time\u2026 PRACTICE \u2013 PRACTICE – PRACTICE!  This is the only way to develop that \u201cdesign eye\u201d that lets you move from novice methodic-style to intuitive, flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants creativity.  Consciously look at font combinations everywhere.  Magazine layouts, product labels, memes on Facebook, Pinterest boards\u2026the possibilities are endless.  See what combinations you find pleasing and which you find jarring.  Over time, you\u2019ll find you\u2019re not quite so indecisive about which fonts go together like milk and cookies and which are more like chalk and cheese.  Whatever you do, please don\u2019t let font pairing paralyze you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And, if you have any questions or need a bit of help finding a particular font, please don\u2019t hesitate to \u201cMessage Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d for some assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thanks for reading yet another Tuesday Tip about fonts.  <\/em>If you don\u2019t want to miss the next post, just click \u201cFollow Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d to stay in touch.  And as always\u2026\u201cHappy Scrapping!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    I know\u2026I know!  I\u2019ve written a lot of posts about Fonts.  My guess is that right now you think I\u2019m beating the proverbial dead horse.  Am I right?  \ud83d\ude09  I have just one more font topic that I hope you’ll find helpful. Let\u2019s get real for just a second here.  Most scrapbookers are font hoarders (present company included).  And most of us will use more than one font on a given layout.  Sadly, too many of us likely don\u2019t pay…<\/p>\n

    Read More Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"0","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tuesday-tip-day"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3251"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3251\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}