Font Considerations For Display Signage and Visual Displays
Letter styles have a significant impact on the overall look, feel, and effectiveness of display signage and visual displays. Simply by changing the typeset of all or part of the message can alter how the public views your advertising.
There are thousands of different fonts available, so you need to find one that meets your needs perfectly for the most success. This includes readability, your organization’s image, visual appeal, and the message you wish to relay to others.
Readability
Whichever font or fonts you select for your display signage needs to be readable. Script, handwriting, and calligraphy typesets look beautiful, but they can be difficult for others to read. This might include those who have difficulty seeing or reading as well as anyone who may see your visual displays from a distance.
Sans serif fonts such as Arial and Helvetica are far better because they are clear and easy to identify. If you would like your advertising to have a more creative feel, select fonts such as Book Style, Georgia, or Goudy. They have a more relaxed feel, but still have clarity at a distance. These are particularly nice as a second font.
Visual Appeal
If you use Tahoma or Comic Sans as part of your company brand or image, this should be included in your advertisements and signage. As you build your brand familiarity, this font will be associated with the other components of your company’s image. It will be associated with you increasing the effectiveness of your advertising.
When it comes to grabbing attention, using all caps for a small portion of the printing is a good way to draw attention, but using all uppercase letters for the entire message is extremely ineffective.
Your font selection needs to match the chosen message and graphics. For example, an advertisement showing a party scene and depicting fun designer clothing may benefit from a less restricted font such as Kristen Bold whereas a lawyer may choose a more defined and professional look such as Times New Roman. One thing to note about this example is that Times New Roman is often associated with formal paperwork.
Sub-Conscious Messages
As with the previous example, a legal firm might best select typesets such as Times New Roman. This is mainly because of the hidden messages fonts send through your visual displays. A formal set such as Times New Roman gives the public thoughts of a stern and professional individual who sticks to the books.
The Kristen Bold font indicates to others the company is creative and likes to stand out in a crowd. Other messages that font may send through your display signage are ideas such as romantic, easy going, or imaginative — perfect for a clothing designer. Select fonts that emphasize your company as well as the marketing message you would like to get across to others.
Selecting the right font for your display signage takes careful thought and consideration, but the financial gain and attention they create will more than make up for the effort. Visual displays need to reflect your organization, relay your message adequately, and still be easily read. Designing the perfect custom advertising mediums are truly the deciding factor of success no matter what the medium.