Combining two or more fonts in a single design is not something new. In printed media like newspapers and magazines, different fonts are used for headings and text bodies. In media like posters, websites, and other digital media, they may use several fonts together in a single image. Here are some font pairing tips you can try in your project.
Font Pairing: Why, How, and When to Use It
Font pairing is primarily done to establish visual hierarchy, increase aesthetic appeal, divide several types of information, and convey a specific message. Visual hierarchy is established by playing with contrast. In typography, contrast can be achieved by various means, one of them is playing with size differences even with a single font.
In the case of font pairings, designers will use two or more different fonts to achieve contrast. Usually, one of the fonts will be the dominant or the anchor font, while the other fonts act like accessories to accentuate the overall design. Overall, while you should aim for a clear degree of contrast, always aim for balance so the audience won’t feel overwhelmed by just a single aspect of the design.
So, when should one use font pairings? Generally, designers avoid using font pairing if the project consists only of a single line of text. However, it’s entirely up to the designers when to mix and match different fonts together.
Fonts to Mix and Match
The aforementioned font pairing tips are more of a suggestion. It is totally up to you how you want to pair two or more fonts. Currently, there are thousands of different fonts in circulation today that you can try to mix and match so the sky is the limit. Below are some more suggestions of fonts you can try to pair.
Cheria
Chunky and bold, with a bit of humanist touch. This font has high readability and is suitable to be used as the anchor font in your design. Even though it is inspired by retro aesthetics, the overall shape of the typeface is still compatible with contemporary design concepts.
Wagon – Display Serif
Unlike the previous one, this font can be used as either headings or body text font. When used as a heading, it is impressive and distinct. When used in body text, this font maintains its readability, making it a truly versatile font to mix and match with.
Kirgina
Its unique shape and bold strokes make this font suitable to be an anchor font in your design. Pair the distinctly expressive nature of this typeface with a simpler and more subtle font in order to create a lasting contrast in your project.
Gyoza
Inspired by the 90s playful cartoons and comic books, this font is great for posters, infographics, or websites—in other words, in media that utilizes different fonts. Its shape makes it perfect as the centerpiece of the design.