Whenever you get projects for designing graphics for different media materials, there are certain rules you need to know before venturing to
complexities and elaborate world of graphic design.One of elements considered in graphic design is typography. This is how you utilize and create your text to come out with a result that complements your images and design of whole media material, whether it's for print or web.
For typography, here are five of basic rules to follow (or to break, whichever suits your creativity at moment):
Rule No. 1- DO NOT use all fonts in one document.
Every designer has his or her own collection of fonts, which he or she uses for each design project. As one designer would say: "If you're a designer, it almost goes without saying that you own fonts- Lots of fonts."
Aside from existing fonts in software program being used, most designers have their own lists that were added to already existing list. And because of availability of so many fonts, one may be tempted to use as many, if not all of fonts that he or she owns.
Always remember that simplicity is more attractive than disarray and confusion. When you start using many fonts in one document, message most often get lost in jumble. In addition, too many fonts can distract reader from original intent of design- to get a message across. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that you have to be dull and boring by sticking to conventional "two-font rule", which states that you had to have one font for headings and another for text. So where's creativity in that? Just make sure to have a reason why you want to deviate from rule and chose to use fonts.
Rule No. 2- "Serif type is easier to eyes than sans serif."
There's an old principle in graphics world that goes "Serif type is easier to read because serifs draws your eye from character to character." Hence, sans serif type is oftentimes used for headings and short quantities of text.
Truth to tell, all fonts can be made readable (except, well, maybe for Wingdings) with ideal design. With sans serif, although it needs more leading than serif type, it can give your documents a very modern look, and is popular body text in Europe.
