Font Drama

The other day I was asked what font should be used for a particular sign. Of the top of my head, I said, it didn't really matter the font, but I would recommend using a serif font. When I got a blank stare, I realized I needed to explain what a serif font was. There are basically four types of fonts.
1. Serif
2. Sans-serif
3. Script
4. Eclectic

A Serif font has decorative "feet" on the letters. examples of a Serif Font would be Times New Roman, Century, or Warnock.

A Sans-serif font is a font without the decorative "feet". Simple enough as Sans means without. Examples of a Sans-serif font would be Arial, Helvetica, or Tahoma.

A Script Font is a fancy decorative font where the letters are connected.
Sometimes it looks like hand righting or calligraphy.

A Eclectic Font would be anything that does not fit into the above characteristics. These would include things like Wingdings, Chiller and lots of specialized fonts.

The easiest font for English Speaking people to read/comprehend is a Serif font. The feet on the letters allow our brains to recognize the word or letter quicker than if we have to actually look at the entire letter. That is one reason why you often see a serif font on billboards and outdoor signage.

A Sans-serif font is fairly trendy right now. It can be very easy to read as well, the only thing you have to watch is to make sure it has a clean background.

These few tips should give you a background on how to use fonts most effectively. When in doubt, try a couple of options and ask a friend which looks best.

Flash

I am taking a class on Adobe Flash CS3 this week. I hope to get more proficient at it. Seriously though, its a steep and intense program. I did however learn to do all the crazy flying and bouncing around the screens, you know like all the crazy wanna designers.... so I thought I might have to do one of those crazy sites just to annoy people! :)

Adobe Flash CS3 Professional Hands-On Training

Beginings

Well, off to a great start on my new graphic design blog. I will be adding all types of interesting graphic design help, suggestions, and offers to blog readers. As well as branding and marketing tips. This should be great...let me know if you have any specific questions I can answer for you.