How to Use a Script Font in Design

As you may or may not know I love fonts!  I think I love fonts almost as much as I love chocolate, almost, not quite…but its a close second.  I love nothing more when it comes to fonts than a pretty, sweaty fancy fonts.  I have a very feminine aesthetic when it comes to design, so any font that gives way to that is right up my alley.  Today, I wanted to discuss with you how to use script fonts and the best ways to use them.

Script fonts are not appropriate for all situations, such as in print.  For print, you want to use an easy to read font with a consistent structure, such a Serif or Sans Serif font, because they are coherent, clean and more pleasing to eye than script.  On the contrary, if you look at documents from the 17th and 18th centuries, like the United States Constitution, and many other older documents they were all written in script, because that was the common form of penmanship at the time.

Source: Wikipedia.com

As time went on, block lettering became the standard form of penmanship and Text topography for print.  This can be largely attributed to introduction and wide use of the printing press.  It is typically the type of fonts we see used in publications and other documents where readability is a priority.  This is why scripts fonts are only appropriate for certain scenarios such as:

• Logos
• Display
• Advertising
• Shop Frontage
• Design
• Signage
• Invitations

Using script fonts in these situations leaves room for many options and a lot of creativity.  For example, the Bliss & Faith logo uses a feminine, light, airy script font that I absolutely love.

While I wanted to use the font for many other reasons, I soon realized that I wanted to reserve it for something more special. This is the perk of using a script font, because it provides more exclusivity than say the serif or sans serif fonts that are used so frequently in body text.

The great thing is that these days there are so many happy balances between script and block letter fonts, so use designers have a lot of range and options for how to use them.  Below are a few of the fonts I’m loving right now that I think have awesome range and can be used in a plethora of design situations.

Snackbar is a classic hand lettered script, consisting of 21 font families, with complementary Italic, Light, Light Italic, Bold and Bold Italic font styles.

This font is vintage-y and a bit dainty, a font like this would make for a nice header font or overlaid on an image.

Bali Script is a tribute to the hand-lettered signage on beach bars, surf shacks and cafes.

This font is all about fun, and would be a great logo or headline font for a poster.

Monday is a bold and strong script family of two weights and a matching ornament set.

It has a polished 1950s hand lettering feeling to it and it is ideal for logo, packaging and brand design purposes.

Boho is inspired by a bohemian girl who is a free soul and creative spirit.

This font has a hand lettered, calligraphic feel that would be great to use for graphics.

Natura is inspired by old nature field notebooks, Natura was born out of the passion for new modern hand-calligraphy.

This font would make for a lovely logo font, because while it has a script look, its memorable and easy to read.

Skipper is a bold and flowing connected script.

This font, as seen above would be great to use for overlaying on photos.  It has a lot of character and stands out without detracting from the photo behind it.

If you have a favorite script font, reserve the use of for design or display purposes.  Keep in mind that if you are creating a document that you want to be easily read, then sticking with a serif or sans serif is the way to go.  In rare occasions like for invitations, its suitable and acceptable to use a script font for body text, because they lend to a more elegant and classic style.  However, outside of scenarios like this a script is typically not used.

Do you have a favorite script font? – If so, how do you use it?

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