Typeface Basics: Decorative

The long anticipated last addition to the Typeface Basics series is here. In this article we will discuss Decorative typefaces.

Decorative fonts can be friend or foe. The problem is, there are loads of “free” fonts out on various font download sites. Not all are worthy of using them on your next great design project. Some are quite good, and can add a touch of personality to an otherwise bland project. As noted in the previous articles, your typographic techniques can either make or brake a design, especially in an identity projects.

Legibility Factor

Can you read the words, or do they just seem to form a geometrical blob? In typography, legibility is always important. I just don’t see the need of having letters and words if you can’t decipher them. Most decorative type is designed to be used at large point settings, especially the intricate that seem to collide at small point sizes. In addition, like script type, decorative fonts should be used only for a word or phrase. I would even stay away from decorative fonts for more than two words, but that’s just me. When you do have your type set, do try to have an objective view, and don’t rationalize that the typesetting is good or excellent just because of the cool factor. Remember the legibility factor too.

Theme This

Decorative type works best when used to reinforce your design’s theme. If you go techno, find a nice decorative techno font. Sixty’s strikes back? You can find a decorative typeface for that too. The intricate details that a designer looks to will polish the piece. Also, it acts as an adhesive that really identifies the message, and transmits it clearly without conflicting connotations.

Watch Out For The Cheepies

Many of the free decorative fonts don’t include all of the standard characters, like quotation marks, asterisk, and others. If you find that a typeface is missing characters, especially essential ones, choose another type. I personally like retro fonts, but I don’t find myself doing any projects that would employ them. If I was I would use something from Font Diner. Font Diner also has free fonts for mac and pc (see example above, “Tiki Bar Sale”; set in Fontdinerdotcom). Their best work is in the paid packages. I love diners.

I know that I’m not the only one that has a good source for decorative typefaces; post a comment and drop a link to you favorite decorative font, free or otherwise not.