When designing anything from a magazine cover to a bold advertisement, the choice of font plays a crucial role in delivering the intended message and attracting attention. One category of fonts that stands out, particularly in visual design is the display font. Display fonts form a distinct group of typefaces that are primarily designed for large-sized text, often for headings, banners, advertisements, and branding materials. But what makes a display font so special? Let’s dive into the characteristics that make a display font truly stand out.
Key Features That Make a Display Font Stand Out
Here are the key features that make a display font stand out:
Large Point Sizes
One of the most obvious features of a display font is its use at large point sizes. When used in headings, titles, or large signage, display fonts must be able to stand out at a distance. Typically, these fonts are used at a size of 14 points and above. Their design is optimized for visibility and readability in larger formats, which is why you won’t often see them used in body copy.
Original and Eccentric Designs
Display fonts are often designed to be highly original. Unlike traditional text fonts that maintain subtlety and neutrality, display fonts aim to make a bold statement. This might be achieved through unique serif graphics, unexpected letter shapes, or even playful or geometric designs. The design details are often exaggerated or altered to make the font feel distinctive and memorable. A designer may even create a new typeface entirely for a specific brand, ensuring its uniqueness and visual identity.
Expressive and Attention-Grabbing
Another defining feature of display fonts is their ability to evoke a specific mood or tone. Depending on the project, display fonts can take on a formal or informal look, convey elegance or playfulness, and reflect modernity or vintage styles. Their design allows for more creativity and expression, helping brands or products stand out and establish a strong visual identity. A display font used in advertising can instantly communicate the feeling or personality that a brand wants to convey.
Versatility for Headings, Advertising, and Branding
While display fonts are not suitable for running text due to their decorative nature, they are perfect for contexts where the goal is to highlight a phrase or make an impression. Whether it’s on a website’s homepage, a storefront banner, or a product label, display fonts give weight to titles and important messages. These fonts are often paired with more neutral text fonts for the body copy, allowing the display font to shine in the larger text while maintaining readability in the smaller sections.
Custom-Designed Fonts for Branding
Many businesses invest in custom-designed display fonts as part of their branding strategy. These typefaces are created to embody the company’s identity and stand out from competitors. By commissioning a unique display font, a brand can ensure its logo, tagline, or advertisements are instantly recognizable. This investment in custom typography adds value to a brand’s overall visual appeal, as the font becomes an integral part of its visual language.
Display Fonts and the TypeType Collection
The TypeType collection offers an impressive range of display fonts that cater to different moods, projects, and creative preferences. The fonts in the collection are meticulously designed to ensure that they stand out without compromising their intended purpose.
Some of the most popular display fonts from TypeType include TT Travels Next, TT Ricordi Marmo, TT Globs, and TT Fors. These fonts are highly versatile, combining elegance, playfulness, and boldness in their design. For more unique and unconventional options, TypeType also offers fonts like TT Geekette, TT Frantz, and TT Milks. These fonts have an eye-catching, sometimes quirky style, perfect for projects that need to make a strong statement and leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
What makes a display font stand out is its bold, creative, and expressive design, often intended to draw attention and make an impact. With their large point sizes, original details, and versatility, display fonts are essential tools for designers looking to emphasize key messages in advertising, branding, and other creative projects.
