Digitization of metal type also compromise design integrity by forcing digitizers to make aesthetic decisions, such as the rounding of corners.
Clarendon was never designed with a complementary italic, and retroactive attempts have all fallen short. It was designed for use on metal type, which results in compromise letter forms, like its flattened f and inelegant kerning. Its wide and bold letterforms are compelling at large sizes, but impossible to read easily at text sizes. Clarendon is recognizable on WANTED posters and US National Park signage.Ĭlarendon is also over 100 years old, and limited in its design and capabilities. Clarendon’s letterforms are big, bold, and loud. Clarendon is in many ways the defining antique slab serif, and its popularity is easy to understand. Besley* is named after Robert Besley, creator of Clarendon. The font I was looking for was Besley*.īesley* is an antique slab serif, meaning it features larger, sturdier serifs, while retaining a traditional stroke width variance. A font that just functions, without having to work hard. A font that is immediately familiar, while providing subtle surprises. Something timeless, that feels of-the-time. A font that is at once welcoming and approachable, while remaining trustworthy and sturdy. An antique slab serif that didn’t have weird and gimmicky irregularities. One that would look good on screen and in print. One with italics and a bold that actually was bold. Besley* now comes with variable font versions, as well as better language support, kerning, tabular and proportional numbers and other improvements.īesley* started with a need for a good, versatile, and affordable antique slab serif font. Calligraphy fonts provide a great touch for graphic designs.This is version 2.0. This typographic style creates a more comfortable and pleasing visual for the eye, which is why it is so commonly selected. Popular Instagram accounts that post motivational posters frequently feature calligraphy to make an impact.
The text adds a personalized element to the sentiment. These typefaces are often found on formal thank you cards and wedding invitations. Calligraphy typefaces are not a good fit for large blocks of text, as the intricacies of the font style can become hard to decipher at small sizes. Due to the fact that this style is best used at large text sizes, it is important to consider when to utilize the font style. The necessity for the fancy usually remains with invitations and similar documents. This is because it has always been a more artistic option that does not correlate too well with formal documents. This design style is generally not found in the workplace or other highly formalized settings. Considering where it will be displayed is important for determining whether or not a calligraphy-styled font is appropriate. Size 8-10pt can be especially challenging for readers, if not impossible. The intricacies and ornate designs in the fonts are too highly detailed to be too small.
When typing them in small points, they can be nearly illegible. Where not to use calligraphy in 2017?Ĭalligraphy fonts are best presented in larger sizes. The level of sophistication versus relaxation can be determined by it's style. Different calligraphy styles can be selected for different purposes: from sophisticated styles for situations such as weddings, and more free-flowing and youthful styles for situations such as birthday parties or more casual occasions. The style creates a formal, yet beautiful, introduction to any information to follow. The most common uses for calligraphy fonts are as accents for headers and other titling.
There are many sophisticated, tasteful swirls and decorative additives to calligraphic characters. In the same ways that calligraphy is intricately create with various thicknesses these fonts are carefully designed and intricate. Just like handwritten calligraphy, a calligraphy typeface creates a deeper meaning from its text and is often chosen for very formal invitation headings. With these fonts, the artistic expression remains as constant as with handwritten forms. When to Use a Calligraphy Typeface?Ĭalligraphy letters are extremely elegant and reflect a more artistic means of expression. These typefaces come in various shapes and sizes in order to meet the necessities of the occasion. When typing on the computer and creating various documents, invitations, and other information, calligraphy can still be utilized courtesy of calligraphy fonts. Generally speaking, the form of writing has been looked at for its creativity and aesthetic value.