Unsettling Typefaces: A Look at the Off-Puttin' Fonts
In the world of branding, every detail matters, and one often overlooked element is the choice of font. A recent analysis by KOTA, a Creative Digital Agency based in Clerkenwell London, sheds light on the impact of fonts on a brand's identity.
KOTA's findings suggest that certain fonts, such as 'BloodStab Italic' or 'Sk8orDie.ttf', may not be the best choice for establishing a professional and trustworthy brand image. These fonts, often associated with school film club posters for horror movies, can give off an unintended message of chaos, which may not align with a brand's goals.
Similarly, the font Lobster, once popular for its vintage appeal, has been criticised for its overuse in menu boards, yoga candle labels, and posters. It is now compared to Etsy vomit, Call of Duty expansion packs, and army surplus shop logos made in Microsoft Paint. Using such fonts can instantly ruin a brand's identity, making it seem outdated or unprofessional.
On the other hand, fonts can be powerful, conveying tone, trust, and emotion. They can make a first impression before a brand's tagline is even read, influencing how people perceive the brand's trustworthiness. For instance, if a brand is aiming to build trust, it should avoid using fonts like FS Kitty, which was criticised for its association with impulse-buy body spray from Claire's, glitter glue, year 8 girlbands, and a vaguely threatening tone.
The use of grunge fonts in a brand identity may imply that the brand also owns a cat named Mr Tibbles and shares a Facebook account with a spouse. This is not the image a professional brand wants to project.
To help evaluate a brand's overall health and identify areas that need improvement, KOTA recommends using the Brand Pulse Audit tool. This tool can provide valuable insights into a brand's current standing and offer suggestions for improvement.
Interested parties can reach out to KOTA at hello@our website.co.uk for potential collaboration. Remember, in the world of branding, every detail matters, and the choice of font is no exception. Choose wisely!
