Fonts

There are many different fonts and some look a like while other are completely unique. The best design is 'invisible', as in.. it looks so natural the viewer doesn't realize someone put thought into it and designed it specifically for that purpose. I won't go into too much detail about what make a type, because to be honest, I probably know only a little. You can categorize fonts into serif, sans serif, script and 'fancy'. Here's a simplified explanation of what's what.

WHAT IS A FONT?
This is TTF or OTF file you can install on your computer and then type with in your programs (like Word). You have various qualities in fonts, some only include the letters of the alphabet and numbers, but no punctuation. Other are ridiculously complete, including things like ligatures.

SERIF
A typeface with lines attached at the ends of a letter. Great for when you want to give your design a classic look.


SANS SERIF
A typeface without lines attached at the ends of a letter. Works for everything because it's so neutral.


SCRIPT
A typeface that looks like handwriting. Nice when you want to give your look a handmade/personal touch.


FANCY
This is not an official grouping. It's basically everything that's not a (sans) serif of script font. Can work really well for decorative purposes and short words.


CUSTOM (HAND)LETTERING
This is not a font, but is often used with logo designs. It can be based of a font, customized to a design or handmade. The upside is that your design is one of kind, but on the other hand, you won't have a font to use for other designs of your identity.


COPYRIGHT
Just like a logo or illustration, there's a person who took the time to design a font. I have designed a few myself and can tell you, it's a lot of work! So please respect their copyright and don't illegally download the file, just buy it. When you're browsing on websites like Dafont and don't want to buy something, make sure the font is 100% free (you can set this at the search options). All other options will not be available for other than personal use.

TERMS
- Font + Typeface The font is the file you install on your computer and the typeface is the actual design (as in, the shape and make up of the letters).
- Ligature When two letters are connected. This can be literal like œ and Æ or stylistically, for example the Minion Pro or Bello Pro font.
- OTF + TTF The difference is that OTF probably has more options, because it has a larger capacity to include more letters, but this does not apply to all fonts, sometimes it's exactly the same, just saved in 2 different ways.