Font choice is often overlooked in DIY promotional materials, a last-minute decision just before printing, perhaps even left as the automatic font, but font choice is important.
If you’re designing your own promotional materials it’s likely to be a cost-saving strategy rather than because you’re a budding graphic designer stuck in the wrong job. We’ve created a straightforward checklist to help you avoid any printing disasters and make sure you have the perfect font every time.
Source: dreamstime.com
1. Does your font choice fit with your brand?
Ask yourself what your brand stands for. Is it ethical, fun, elegant or loud? Do you have any particular colour palette that represents your brand?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, a good starting point is to brainstorm the qualities and characteristics that make up your brand. You can then ensure you choose a font that captures these qualities and gives your customers a consistent message of what your company is all about.
2. Will your font choice be readable from the required distance?
If you’re designing a poster you need to consider the size of the font you use, making sure it will be clear and readable once displayed in your poster frame. Your poster needs to grab your customer’s attention initially, and then clearly communicate your message to them. A bold, clear font is likely to be much more suitable here than a curly, handwriting styled font.
If your poster is not readable, you may be better off changing the font rather than simply increasing the font size.
3. Will your font choice catch your customers’ eye?
The font you choose needs to match your objectives. If you’re aiming to draw attention, the right font will help.
Branded carrier bags are a great way to spread awareness of your brand, especially as people generally reuse bags these days. A carrier bag doesn’t have long to grab a passer-by’s attention but using a clear, bold font that compliments your logo will help ensure your branded bags are spreading the word about your company.
4. Is your chosen font appropriate for the message you’re delivering?
Every font has its own mood or personality, some are serious, some casual, whilst others may be considered playful or elegant. Before deciding on a font, determine what it means to you and ask colleagues if they have the same impression. This will ensure you avoid using a comical font when delivering a serious message or a casual font for a formal event.
If you’re designing a poster for an A-board advertising a fun, loud event for children, make sure your font is in line with this.
5. Have you printed a test copy?
Before committing to a large print run, print off one copy to make sure it looks as good on paper as it does on your screen. Don’t be afraid to play around with your font and print off several options to compare.
Once you’ve spent time ensuring your promotional materials are up to scratch, make sure you display them in their best light. Valentino’s Displays have everything you need to showcase your promotional materials. Visit our main website to see all the options.
Have you had any font disasters or successes? Let us know in the comments section below.