Choosing the right font sometimes can be challenging. So we write a guide to choosing the right fonts for your book cover.
The right font is always the key. Whether you’re designing a logo or a book cover, font and typeface always bring a voice and personality to your work. We can’t stress it enough: first impression always matters (we already wrote about how important a good cover is to attract potential readers here).
However, many people overlook the importance of typeface when designing their book cover. The fact is typeface has a big impact to the overall presentation of the cover. Some font choices are so hideous that they make you cringe. Some others are more subtle. Either way, it is important to put an extra effort in picking the right font so that your cover can deliver the right feelings to readers. You don’t want to turn off potential readers with unappealing and unprofessional fonts such as Comic Sans or Papyrus, don’t you?
In this article, we walk you through some key points that might be of help in choosing the right fonts for your book cover.
01. Know the genre
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Knowing the genre is probably the most fundamental thing of all. Every genre has particular markers such as imagery and color palettes, although there are no exact rules about them and we can’t say the same for some books that completely defy genre categories. But in general, these markers help readers identify books easily.
The same applies to typeface. It is imperative that you know what genre the book you’re designing belongs to. To use an example: of the hundreds of typeface styles available, imagine designing a romance book using Chiller or Comic Sans. That would be disaster.
(Image via Amazon)
(Image via Orkha)
02. Know what you’re aiming for
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Many book cover designs rely heavily on the detailed illustration, and rarely make typography the star. With modern and minimalist styles becoming ubiquitous, typography can be leveraged as a strong, scene-stealing focal point. Either way is fine depends on what you’re trying to achieve and emphasize.
(Image via Jennifer Carrow)
(Image via Readings)
(Image via Casual Optimist)
Utilizing big, bold typography, these designs allow iconography to show through while making the type the emphasis. When done right, a simplistic typography with a fun twist is powerful enough to showcase a book’s content.
You can also do the usual way by making typography shine as a part of your illustration.
(Image via Casual Optimist)
(Image via Janet Hansen)
03. Know the type
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When it comes to the typography, there’s a wide selection of types used in designing book cover. From hand-drawn typography to the mainstream, commonly-used typefaces, the possibility is limitless. One thing to note is that every typeface has its own mood and personality. Serif fonts, for example, are more readable via print, and the sans-serif ones excel via screens. Serif fonts also look more elegant compared to the sans-serif fonts that are more casual but versatile enough that it allows a room for exploration for designers.
(Image via Jaya Miceli)
(Image via Janet Hansen)
Futura is probably one of the most frequently used fonts out there. Not only it’s versatile, it showcases modern and clean elegance. If you’re aiming for this, then sans-serif fonts like this might be of your choice.
(Images via Orkha)
Hand-drawn, conversely, probably resonates with the readers best. The beauty of hand-drawn typography and hand lettering lies in the sense of human craftsmanship, something that a computer font can’t emulate. Hand lettering evokes a variety of emotions such as love, nostalgia, and joy. It also creates something unique and recognizable altogether.
04. Know the do’s and don’ts
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The basics of typography in book cover design are pretty much the same with other designs. Imagine a cover as a billboard: everything has to be legible from a distance. Therefore, the best advice designers have ever given is to limit the number of typeface. A typeface is more than enough; two or more typefaces can pose a problem to the clarity and legibility of the design. If you really have to use two, make sure to combine a serif and a sans serif to create a contrast.
Indeed, exploring typographical elements knows no boundaries. You can always go for clean, subtle typeface or explore further with a little bit unorthodox choice of fonts. Rules are there to follow, but always feel free to experiment to break the mold and find your own style.
Have a great time exploring!