Poster Typography: 10 Tips on How to Choose Fonts for Your Posters

As the famous saying goes, “A picture speaks a thousand words.” But what if you combine that picture with text? That’s where typography comes in. Typography, the art of arranging letters and text, can be the perfect addition to your designs, whether you create them with the help of a picture outline maker create.vista.com/features/outline-pictures/ or from scratch.

Post typography, fonts – illustrative photo. Image credit: Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash, free license

Choosing the right typography for your poster can make a huge difference in your message delivery. Whether you’re promoting an event, showcasing your business, or expressing an idea, typography plays a vital role in hooking your audience. In this post, we’ll give you ten tips on how to select fonts for your posters that will grab your audience’s attention.

Understand Your Message

Before you pick a font, make sure you understand the message you’re trying to convey. You don’t want to choose a playful font for a serious business proposal or a formal one for a comic book event. Understanding your message and your target audience will ensure you select the right typography that speaks to them.

Limit Your Fonts

Don’t use too many fonts in your poster. Keep it simple and use no more than three different types. Too many fonts can be distracting and look cluttered. You want your poster to be clean and easy to read.

Use Contrasting Fonts

Pairing contrasting fonts is a great way to make your message stand out. Use bold and regular typography or a serif and sans-serif font together. The contrast will add depth to your design and make your message easier to read.

Know Your Font Families

Fonts come in various families, including serif, sans-serif, script, and display. Understanding the differences between these families will help you choose the right typography for your poster based on the mood you want to convey.

Choose Legible Fonts

No matter how stylish a font may seem, if it’s tough to read, it defeats the purpose of the poster. A simple, legible look can still be impactful and add style to your poster. Choose fonts that are easy to read from a distance or zoomed-in.

An example of poster fonts. Image credit: John Cameron via Unsplash, free license

Experiment with Different Sizes

Experiment with font sizes to emphasize the most critical points, but the text should still be legible from a distance. You can also mix and match different sizes of fonts to create a visual hierarchy.

Match Fonts to Your Visuals

Whether you’re using images or icons, make sure your fonts match your visuals. If you’re using a playful and fun image, select a font with a similar mood to tie everything together.

Look for Inspiration

If you’re stuck and don’t know what font to use, look for inspiration. Check out similar posters or designs of other companies to get an idea of what works best.

Consider the Font’s Personality

Every font has a personality or mood. Serif fonts tend to be more formal, while sans-serif fonts tend to be more modern and informal. Pick a font that has the personality and mood you want to convey to your audience.

Think About the Future

Finally, consider the future when choosing your font. Make sure the typography you select is easily readable and not too trendy since it might not be as popular in just a couple of years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, picking the right font for your poster is as important as the message you’re trying to convey. It’s not just a matter of picking a font that looks good; it’s about picking a font that will speak to your audience and relay your message.

By using our ten tips, you can increase the impact of your poster with appropriate fonts that add to the overall design. Experiment with different fonts and trust your instincts, and you’ll soon have a poster with a strong message that will grab your target audience’s attention.