Psychology of Fonts

Introduction

The psychology of fonts is based on the principle that human minds associate human traits to nonhuman objects and things, in this case fonts. 

Serif

Serif font is defined by its changes in line thickness and the strokes that are attached to the ends of longer lines. Serifs represent being intelligent, respectable, dependable, and distinguished. Serif font is used by companies that are established and somewhat regal, to show that they are a reputable company.

Sans-Serif

Sans-Serif font is similar to serif font but, with two key differences: sans-serif lacks the different line widths of serif font, as well as the strokes at the end of lines. Sans-Serif font is more modern than serif, it represents innovation and being open and informal. Sans-serif is used by companies that are more modern such as tac companies like Google, this is due to the contemporary nature of sans-serif.

Script

Script fonts, also called cursive fonts, are any font that imitates actual handwriting. Thus, the different emotions and feelings conveyed by script fonts are varied but generally all script fonts can be personal, creative, and fun. Companies that use script font are varied but some examples are Coca-Cola and Ford, these companies use script font to show the personal grassroots startup of their companies.

Slab Serif

Slab-Serif font is similar to both serif and sans-serif fonts, slab-serif retains the strokes at the end of lines from serif, but also has the constant line width of sans-serif. It is different from both of them though, due to it being bolder than the other serif fonts. With the combination of bold lines with strokes, slab-serif conveys a feeling of stability and power. Slab-Serif is used by the companies Sony and Honda, and it conveys a sense of proudness about the brands.

Display

Display fonts are wide and varied and include essentially every other typeface not discussed above. Display fonts as a whole, convey uniqueness and individuality along with other feelings specific to the typeface.

Video Game Magazines

Most video game magazines use a sans-serif font because it conveys that they are modern and technology-based and usually because they are informing you about games. With the rise of the more modern sans-serif font over serif font in the Age of the Internet it is clear that video game magazines are targeted towards a younger audience between 12-28.

My Thoughts

My magazine will be about video games, so I feel that a more modern font like sans-serif should be my choice. A more futuristic font will aid to the technology aspect of my magazine, though I have found that some video game magazines use display fonts that look more high-tech for important text, I may do the same when making my own magazine.

deBara, Deanna. “The Definition of Font Psychology and How to Use It -.” Canva.com, 2021, https://www.canva.com/learn/font-psychology/.

Fussel, Grace. “The Psychology of Fonts (Fonts That Evoke Emotion).” Design & Illustration Envato Tuts+, 16 May 2020, design.tutsplus.com/articles/the-psychology-of-fonts--cms-34943.

Scott-Smith, Zoe. “Typography Series: What Is a Slab-Serif Font?” Threerooms Branding Agency, 29 May 2019, threerooms.com/blog/typography-series-what-is-a-slab-serif-font#:~:text=Take%20a%20look%20at%20the%20Volvo%2C%20Sony%20and. Accessed 18 Jan. 2022.