Page 94 - Jostens Yearbook_Adviser Guide

PROS WHO KNOW
I prefer students to have a font plan.
That plan can be used whether for a
book using a single-font strategy or a
multiple-font strategy. The key is doing
everything with a reason and purpose.
So, I do not limit the number of fonts as
long as there is a plan for how each one
will be used.
Consistency is key to design, so the
development of a design style guide
is crucial to establishing standards
and the core look of the book. This is
a free-flowing guide as the theme and
concept develops, but, eventually, this
is the resource designers will use as
the foundation of design.
Mitch Eden
Publications Adviser
Kirkwood High School, MO
PROS WHO KNOW
IN THE MIDDLE FONT PERSONALITY
Fonts convey personality, so when
When it comes to teaching type at the middle school Fonts have personality. Some are fun. Others are serious choosing a font (or fonts) think about
level, make it simple. Students don’t necessarily need to or classic or quirky or bold. The font or fonts you select readability and the message you
know all the intricacies of type or even the various font for your yearbook help carry the personality of your theme want to send to the reader. San Serif
categories. However, they often get excited by the number
of possibilities available to them with regard to type. throughout your yearbook. fonts are the most readable. We are
Encouraging students to stick with a minimal number of Notice the font strategies used in both of the yearbook accustomed to them thanks to all the
fonts (generally no more than three) and consistent sizing spreads below. While both yearbook staffs selected a time we spend online. Sometimes
will add consistency to your publication, and a cleaner, limited number of fonts, the Grand Blanc staff used a serif fonts are seen as more
more focused look. quirky font with a handwritten feel that emphasized the traditional except for monoweight
first-person stories used throughout their yearbook.
In contrast, the Loudoun Valley staff selected a clean, (same thickness throughout) and
A CLOSER LOOK: THE FOUR BASIC classic font that created more of a preppy feel. While very modern (extremely thin transitions)
CATEGORIES OF TYPE different, both staffs selected fonts that were perfect for fonts. Decorative fonts can really
their yearbook that year. bring a design to life when used
Understanding the four basic correctly. They are typically best used
for headlines, drop caps and font is
categories of type—their strengths larger than 18 pt.
and limitations—can help inform the Always ask yourself if the font will
typographic decisions of a publication. be readable at a variety of sizes and
if it sets the mood and tone you are
aiming for.
Serif styles have tiny “feet” or serifs, at the
end of each letter stroke. Common styles:
Times Roman, New Century Schoolbook,
Palatino and Garamond. Suggested use:
body copy or larger passages of text.
San Serif styles (“sans” is French
for “without”) don’t have “feet” or serifs. Grand Blanc High School, MI
Common styles: Futura, Helvetica and
Avant Garde. Suggested use: headlines,
subheadlines and accent text.
Script styles are meant to look like
handwriting or cursive writing. Suggested
use: emphasis of key word(s) in a primary
headline. A designer should avoid using
all-caps for script typefaces.
Jeff Moffitt
Creative Accounts Manager,
Decorative styles, sometimes called novelty
type, almost look like artwork. Decorative Jostens
typefaces are the least readable styles.
Suggested use: Accent text and large sizes, Loudoun Valley High School, VA
18 point or greater.