Creating banners and posters that make an impact starts with choosing the right font. The font sets the tone and draws people in before they even read the words.
But with thousands of fonts to choose from, how do you pick the perfect one? Don't stress - we're here to help!
At our design studio Ladybug, we've put together this simple guide to walk you through the process step-by-step. Whether you're a business owner, graphic designer, or just someone who needs to make a banner for a school event, you'll learn how to select a font that makes your poster pop.
Step 1: Define your goal
First things first - what's the purpose of your banner or poster? Here are some common goals to think about:
- Inform: Simple fonts that are easy to read from a distance.
- Persuade: Eye-catching fonts that grab attention.
- Inspire: Creative fonts that evoke emotion.
- Entertain: Playful fonts that inject fun.
Once you know your goal, you can start zeroing in on fonts that align with it.
Step 2: Consider your brand
The font should complement your brand identity or style. For example:
- Elegant brand? Choose a sophisticated serif font.
- Playful brand? Pick a whimsical script font.
- Modern brand? Opt for a clean, sans-serif font.
Select 1-2 fonts that enhance your brand personality. This creates cohesion across your visuals.
Step 3: Mind the Ddistance
Keep physical distance in mind when selecting your font size and style. Ask yourself:
- How far will people be viewing it from? The further away, the bolder & bigger your font needs to be.
- Is it indoors or outdoors? Outdoor signs require thicker fonts that are readable from afar.
- What's the background color? Dark backgrounds need lighter fonts. Light backgrounds need darker fonts with plenty of contrast.
Test your font at the actual viewing distance to ensure it's clear and legible.
Step 4: Limit font pairings
Resist the urge to use too many different fonts! Stick to 1 or 2 complementary fonts for the best effect.
Some foolproof font pairings:
- Serif + sans serif: Combine a serif (Times New Roman) with a clean sans serif (Arial)
- Display + text: Use a big, eye-catching display font (headings) with a simple text font (body copy).
- Same font family: Vary the weight and style of one font. For example, Open Sans Bold (headings) with Open Sans Light Italic (body).
Step 5: Check licensing rights
Before settling on a font, verify you have the proper licensing rights to use it commercially. Many free fonts are for personal use only.
Paying for a premium commercial license gives you legal permission to use the font however you want. This avoids potential copyright issues down the road.
Step 6: See it in situ
Visualize how your font will look in the real world. Design a mock banner or poster and view it at actual size.
Ask yourself:
- Is it eye-catching and readable from a distance?
- Does it convey the right tone and emotion?
- Does it complement my brand?
Tweak the font if needed until you get it just right.
Pro designer tips for choosing fonts
Here are a few pro tips to take your font game to the next level:
1. Contrast your fonts
Combine very different fonts like serif + sans serif or script + block to add visual interest.
2. Limit font weights
Stick to 1 or 2 weights (Regular, Bold, Light). Too many becomes chaotic.
3. Use font color strategically
Make key text pop through strategic color use. Or use color to separate different info.
4. Watch your letter spacing
Add letter spacing (kerning) with big fonts to improve readability from afar.
5. Trust your gut
If a font combo doesn’t “feel” right, it probably won't work. Keep tweaking until you love it!
Ready to design an eye-catching banner?
Choosing the perfect font is the foundation for banner and poster designs that captivate viewers.
Follow our 6 tips on selecting goal-aligned fonts with standalone power. Road test them in real-world conditions. And complement your brand identity for impactful designs.
For customized banner and poster designs crafted by pros, contact Ladybug today. Our talented designers know how to use typography to make your message unforgettable. Let's create something beautiful together!