“Overused” Typefaces: When is it Time to Bid Farewell to a Font?

So, here’s the thing about Helvetica – some people think it’s a timeless masterpiece, a typeface that can adapt to any situation and still look great. Others, however, believe it’s become stale and uninteresting, burdened by its own past and lacking in originality. According to lettering artist Jessica Hische, Helvetica is only truly impressive when it’s used in combination with itself.

Hey, let’s chat about fonts for a minute. Well, not just any fonts. I want to dive into the whole idea of fonts that some designers think are “overused.” It begs the question: who gets to decide when a font has become too popular? And does using such a font make people see you as less creative? Or could it actually show that you know what your clients are after?

Check Out These 100 Free Fonts for Your Commercial Projects!

If you want to add some spice and versatility to your designs, you’ve got to check out these 35 awesome free fonts for commercial use. Read more

But What If That Font Becomes Your Signature?

Did you start using Helvetica before it became popular? (I highly doubt it, unless you were designing before 1960). Is there a specific type style that’s currently all the rage, making your work look like it’s just one in a crowd? What do you do when people suddenly decide that the font you’ve been using for years is suddenly cool?

In my opinion, there are two main options to consider. The first one is to continue doing what you’ve been doing and let the imitators move on to something else once the trend fades. You know this typeface inside and out; it’s a fundamental part of your work and your unique identity as a designer. If you’re a master of your craft, you don’t need to worry about being grouped in with those who came after you.

Now, I’m not taking sides or anything, but you might want to consider sprucing up your font collection a bit. As a creative pro, it’s essential to adapt to the current trends and the preferences of your newest clients. If you think your style could use a refresh, then it’s worth exploring some new fonts that can serve your purposes just as well, but with a unique touch. This is a great way to refine your style without completely abandoning your loyal fans.

Paying Attention to the Little Things

Type is all about the little things. It’s what sets different type applications apart from each other. With only 26 letters in the English alphabet, we have to rely on the tiny details that often go unnoticed but have a huge impact on design.

So here’s the main point: forget about the font – focus on the details. Is the curved part of that lowercase “a” just right, or would you tweak it? Does the “d” in your logo have a too high ascender? And what’s up with the fancy ampersand symbol?

Maybe you should try finding a different font that suits you better. There are so many fonts out there, each with its own unique style, sometimes in really subtle ways. No need to stick with something just because it’s popular or expected.

Design Is a Symphony and Type is an Instrument

Designers are like composers. Type, color, and composition all matter individually, and they can’t be ignored without a good reason. The audience only sees the final result, but professionals can appreciate the different elements that went into creating it. Design is similar to a symphony orchestra. You, as a non-professional, only hear the beautiful music, but the conductor and musicians experience something very different.

Imagine if you will, a plate of food so perfectly crafted by a master chef at a top-notch restaurant. You may not be able to identify each ingredient that went into its creation, but trust me, if even a single component was missing, you would notice that something was amiss.

Just like with food, our expectations remain high when it comes to design, regardless of our level of expertise. This holds true for users, clients, and anyone else evaluating your design work. While they may not be able to pinpoint the exact reasons why a design works, they will certainly recognize when it falls flat.

Selecting the Perfect Font

Let’s be honest – the most popular fonts look great and work well in many of the popular projects that clients request these days. Even if you think a font is “overused” or too many people are using it, if it works, go for it. If you choose wisely, your design will stand the test of time while others who follow trends will fade away. Because, you know…

There’s usually a good reason why they’re so popular

Some typefaces are just undeniably elegant and well-designed. That’s why people use them so much – because they’re just so well thought out. Sure, their popularity might come and go, but the skill and effort that went into creating them will never fade away. You’ll never see a professional designer using a poorly designed typeface again and again (so don’t even mention Comic Sans).

What’s Your Take?

Which typefaces do you think are starting to get a little overused? Do you think it’s a fair criticism? Are any of your favorite fonts at risk of being labeled as overused?

Which typefaces do you think are starting to get a little overused? Do you think it’s a fair criticism? Are any of your favorite fonts at risk of being labeled as overused?