- Start with one font, then anchor the rest of your decisions around it
- Look for similarities in at least one attribute to ground the pairing together
- Bring in some contrast in a different attribute to spice things up
- Find the balance of those two aspects to keep the harmony but make it more visually appealing
- Throughout keep in mind the roles these fonts will play
- Make sure you are evoking the right emotion in the relationship between the fonts
Why ?
- Starting with one font provides a focal point, creating a solid base to establish a typographic hierarchy.
- Looking for similarities in one attribute such as font weight, structure, or mood helps to create a visual connection between the fonts, ensuring that they complement each other.
- Introducing contrast in another attribute, like size or style (serif vs. sans serif), adds interest and helps to distinguish elements within the design.
- Finding the balance between similarity and contrast is essential in achieving a harmonious yet dynamic typographic duo.
- Considering the roles of the fonts ensures that their function aligns with their visual impact, such as a bold font for headings and a readable font for body text.
- Evoking the right emotion suggests a thoughtful consideration of the psychological impact of typography, ensuring that the font pairing communicates the desired feeling to the audience.
The advice you’ve offered regarding font pairing is both practical and insightful. Each bullet point builds upon foundational principles of design:
