If every font has a personality, what does the one you’re using say about you?
It’s a question worth asking.
I’m just the kind of nerd who spends hours (ok, exaggeration) choosing a font for each class I teach. I then spend more hours throughout the semester making sure each presentation and handout I give in the class adheres to the chosen font.
Why? Simply, fonts make a me happy.
Changing your font is like altering your paradigm; it allows you to see the same world through a different lens.
As a full-time reporter I loved to change my font style and color (much to my editor’s disdain), just to get a fresh perspective.
Yes, I’m a certifiable font lover. It’s ironic that the font I hate is the happiest of them all.
I loathe Comic Sans. If every font says something about you (and it does), Comic Sans screams: “Don’t take me seriously. I’m an idiot who can’t be trusted to get any job done.”
The only thing worse than Comic Sans is purple or pink Comic Sans.
The font, inspired by comic books, is meant to be casual and fun, perhaps even silly. This personality should be enough to send warning signals to keep it out of the office. Unfortunately, some people missed the message. I’ve frequently seen Comic Sans on auto signatures, resumes, fliers, and pamphlets, sending what I only can assume is the opposite message than what was intended.
Imagine my glee when I discovered that there is an actual movement to ban Comic Sans. Read all about it in “Typeface Inspired by Comic Books Has Become a Font of Ill Will.” There’s even a website about “Putting the Sans” in Comic Sans.”
Yes, I know, these people should have more to do with their time but apparently they don’t, so who am I to stop them?
Then remove Comic Sans from any materials you want people to take seriously.
KB says
love your morning rant. you should request that IT take comic sans off of all campus computers.
thekrg says
This is a fabulous idea! Thanks for reading!
Sherri says
I share the same loathing for Comic Sans. I was taught it’s just not good taste. My husband is constantly amazed at my knowledge of fonts. His favorite is “Name the that Font” on trips. I usually get them close every time.
thekrg says
You’re such a great nerd. I’m addicted to fonts, but I can’t stand this one. Thanks for reading!
Alaina Stevens says
Wow, I hate that font. I also can’t believe I’m such a nerd for reading an entire story about fonts. I guess I’m addicted to fonts. I don’t know when it happened, but it did. Like a true nerd I even talked about fonts in a job interview.
I feel bad for anyone that uses comic sans for anything.
Thanks for the story link.
thekrg says
You’re just the kind of nerd I love! I have a hard time taking anyone seriously who sends anything in Comic Sans. This is especially true if it’s their auto sig. That drives me nuts because it means that Comic Sans is on every e-mail they send. Double ugh! Thanks so much for commenting!
Buddy says
Saying “every font has a personality” is screaming “Don’t take me seriously. I’m an idiot who can’t be trusted to get any job done.”
thekrg says
Buddy, thanks so much for reading.
BruceSallan says
How do you really feel?
profkrg says
@BruceSallan I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all!
dbvickery says
Funny thing is that I gave a presentation to 5th and 6th graders on “Art of Presenting”. I explained fonts and gave some suggestions. Every class had at least one kid who raised their hand and said “what about Comic Sans”. So it is getting passed to the next generation 😉
profkrg says
@dbvickery And what did you tell those sweet children?
dbvickery says
@profkrg Use Arial, Helvetica, perhaps Tahoma or Verdana. I favor Calibri myself. And, uh…no, never use Comic Sans or people will not take you seriously 😉
profkrg says
@dbvickery perfect. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
LauriRottmayer says
Love it! I had a boss that used to use comic sans exclusively. Our company did much better after I took over marketing and got rid of it! LOL! 🙂
profkrg says
@LauriRottmayer I’m just thinking this should be one of those basic things professionals learn. Of course, I also think everyone should take principles of public relations.
Ike says
I await the day when we can bask in the glory of Tragic Sans.
Prof KRG says
Me too! Won’t it be grand?
Charlotte74 says
I love it. The only thing worse than comic sans is purple comic sans. Made me chuckle.
LauLau81 says
Haha… I was used to use comic sans … Then later i realized that I should not, it looks funny! Then, now i like calibri, verdana or arial.
savvysherri says
I saw the purple Comic Sans graphic on Pinterest yesterday and thought of you.
Tara Buehner says
Approve.
Natalie 'Altadonna' Smith says
I hate Comic Sans as well. Unfortunately I see it all the time in my line of work. 🙁
Prof KRG says
I’m sure you do in elementary Ed.
Kelly Beagles says
Omgoodness. how are we friends? i love comic sans and purple { i purposely tried to have grammar errors]
Prof KRG says
Did you say that in your happy teacher voice?