FONT FLAG FRIDAY #8

(Click to enlarge.)

One of my favorite spots on Kauai...even on stormy days. In this case, shooting digital infrared (or NIF–"near infrared") enhanced the dramatic look, darkening the clouds and water and lightening the foliage.

Choosing two very different fonts, in this case Liana and Caslon Book BE, is one of the simplest and most effective design principles to remember when combining type faces in a single layout. Doing so supplies an element of contrast, and, simply put, our eyes like contrast. Strengthen that effect even more by contrasting type size and/or weight as well.

Here the use of Caslon was repeated in the quotation (by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) for continuity and—importantly—readability in a smaller size.

(Thanks to Jessica Sprague, Trish Jones, Sweet Shoppe, and Jason Gaylor for additional Photoshop elements.)

IT'S FONT FLAG FRIDAY!

Finding the right font to go with a photo layout can be challenging, and finding two very different but complementary fonts even more so. That's why I like to make "font flags"...digital visual journal pages where I experiment with different combinations and then save what I like for future reference. Besides that, they're fun to make...you can even print and frame them. Thought I'd share mine with you each Friday, along with links so that you can purchase the fonts you like...but mostly I just want to inspire you to experiment on your own.

Caslon is a classic and very readable font "family," meaning it's available with similar characteristics in several sizes and weights...e.g., regular, bold, italic, and bold italic. Some families also include condensed, small caps, and other professional styles. Purchase Caslon at Linotype, myfonts.com, and elsewhere.

Liana is a script font that's easy to read, elegant, feminine, and has a handwritten character that's perfect for letters and informal invitations (and Valentines!). Available from myfonts.com.