So, what are fonts all about? If you are involved in the architectural signage industry, you are aware of the standard font styles used to create the messages on signs. You might think it is simple to throw a few words onto an interior or exterior sign and be finished, but that is not the case. There are many issues to consider, including  font style, font color, viewing distance of the sign to determine font height and are you using a serif or a san serif font? What about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act – Title III) codes that address signage? Also, is the architectural signage being designed for interior or exterior use. If it is exterior signage, where is it going to be located? Is it a wayfinding sign with site directional information or a monument sign identifying the building? If the signs are going to be created for interior use, again, what is the application? Is it a identifier behind a lobby desk, a directional or room sign? With all of these variables how does one pick out the correct font?

Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to post about how to choose and use fonts on architectural signage.

Just to get you warmed up, here are a few links to some of the more popular sites for researching fonts.  Back in the day we’d go to a big thick book and browse through the various fonts to pick something appropriate for a project.  Now it’s only a click away.

http://www.typografie.de/Our-Books/Typography/Geum-Hee-Hong/Brush-n-Script::1189.html

http://new.myfonts.com/

http://www.fonthaus.com/

http://www.linotype.com/

http://www.itcfonts.com/