Page 95 - Jostens Yearbook_Adviser Guide

PROS WHO KNOW PROS WHO KNOW

IN THE MIDDLE FONT PERSONALITY
I prefer students to have a font plan. Fonts convey personality, so when
That plan can be used whether for a 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
book using a single-font strategy or a 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
multiple-font strategy. The key is doing 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
everything with a reason and purpose. of possibilities available to them with regard to type. throughout your yearbook. fonts are the most readable. We are
So, I do not limit the number of fonts as 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
long as there is a plan for how each one fonts (generally no more than three) and consistent sizing spreads below. While both yearbook staffs selected a time we spend online. Sometimes
will be used. 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

Consistency is key to design, so the more focused look. quirky font with a handwritten feel that emphasized the traditional except for monoweight
first-person stories used throughout their yearbook.
development of a design style guide In contrast, the Loudoun Valley staff selected a clean, (same thickness throughout) and
is crucial to establishing standards A CLOSER LOOK: THE FOUR BASIC classic font that created more of a preppy feel. While very modern (extremely thin transitions)
and the core look of the book. This is CATEGORIES OF TYPE different, both staffs selected fonts that were perfect for fonts. Decorative fonts can really
a free-flowing guide as the theme and their yearbook that year. bring a design to life when used
concept develops, but, eventually, this Understanding the four basic correctly. They are typically best used
is the resource designers will use as for headlines, drop caps and font is
the foundation of design. 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.

Mitch Eden Script styles are meant to look like
Publications Adviser handwriting or cursive writing. Suggested
Kirkwood High School, MO 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.