Allow me to preface this by resolving a common misconception. Fonts and typefaces are NOT the same thing!
SkillShare user Carrie Buchholz describes both uniquely well. She says a typeface is:
“the overarching design or style of a set of characters, letters, and symbols. It encompasses the entire family of fonts within a particular design, sharing a common aesthetic. Think of it as the visual identity of the text, defining its look and feel. One common example is Arial, a typeface designed in 1982.”
A font is instead: “the specific variations within a typeface. Fonts specify the size, weight, style, and spacing of the text. In essence, a font determines how the typeface appears in practice. For the typeface Arial, for instance, some of the available fonts include Arial Black, Arial Narrow and Arial Bold.”
Why does this even matter?
First, it will help you navigate design and writing software more fluidly. The first step to mastering a craft is to understand the tools.
Second, if you want to be a professional in the communications industry, act like one. The easiest way you can play the role is by knowing the lingo. Do the research and find your favourite typeface! It might be recency bias talking, but I love Cooper Black.
So, remember, DON’T mix up the two, but DO...
Explore your options.
Don’t get stuck on the pre-installed font families on your chosen software. Be cautious about free downloads but do your research! Sites like Adobe Fonts and Google Fonts are great and safe for beginners.
Have fun.
Most professionals have all sorts of rules when it comes to design. In my eyes, if it’s not representing an organization, add more than three typefaces in one design. You’ll learn quickly what works for you, and what doesn’t.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!