The conversation at this morning’s check-in meeting somehow turned to Granimals and Cher’s “hi-tech” computerized outfit picker from Clueless. We were discussing the idea of a Granimals inspired system for guys that involved car or tool related symbols to help them figure out what pieces of clothing are appropriate to wear together. 8am silliness and jabs at Tim and Greg’s fashion sense aside, this made me think of such a program for typefaces. I love the idea, but I’m not sure that typeface selection is objective enough, and it could remove the unexpected combinations that arise from experimentation and going with your gut.
Of course there are some general rules to keep in mind when combining type.
The connection. If you are choosing 2 typefaces to work together there should be something that unites them. This could be similar proportions (e.g. equal x heights), they could come from the same historical period or have a similar distribution of stroke weights. H&FJ’s Techniques for Combinging Fonts gives some good examples of type palettes with unifying elements.
Contrast. Equally important to unity is contrast. As stated in H&FJ’s First Principle of Combining Fonts: “keep one thing consistent, and let one thing vary”. Choosing 2 fonts with too many similarities will cause conflict. The key to clear communication is in the differences, the contrast. And when it comes to contrast, don’t wimp out.
There are many ways to contrast typefaces, for instance:
- Structure: Serif + Sans Serif or Modern + Slab Serif
- Weight: Ultra Light + Bold
- Form: Italic or Script + Geometric Sans Serif
- Color: Not red vs blue but the varying impact of blocks of text when squinting at a page
- Size: If you choose to combine 2 Serif fonts you may need to drastically vary the size in order to provide a clear distinction between all characters of type.
Regardless of how you achieve contrast, just make sure it is there. If your eyes don’t immediately know that there are 2 different typefaces, there is definitely not enough contrast.
Economy. Keep it simple, don’t add a typeface if you don’t need it. Each typeface should fill a definite and specific role within the piece you are creating. Combining different typefaces can provide emphasis and clarity to the reader. However, too many can create clutter and confusion.
Keeping these rules in mind, a typeface matching program could deliver some definite mismatches. Avant Garde + Chalet, absolutely not, Baskerville + Chronicle, don’t make me puke! Here are a few resources for typeface combining tools to avaoid such drastic mistakes!
Alphabetical list of fonts and their matches
Cheat Sheet on mixing typefaces
Top type combos with a PDF to illustrate
Great article from Font Shop about combining fonts with Helvetica
And apparently there is an iPhone app (well of course there is), although I haven’t tired it out.
Still not sure? Check out this info graphic to get you started.
But I say, don’t let the rules get it your way. If you have any unexpected typefaces combos to share I’d love to see them!