In February, I ran a Font Workshop to help find solutions to type troubles. Here are the questions I was asked and a summary of my solutions.

 

My answer: My answer: Start by selecting the main font that's key to the design. Fonts choices maybe limited due to platform or brand restrictions. Then, consider whether pairing is improved with two fonts from the same category—for example, a serif with a serif or sans serif with a serif. You may find suggestions from the foundry who designed the font, or they have a matching pair (like my favourites Mr and Mrs Eaves), and I often suggest font pairings in Gorgeous too!

 

My answer: I hear you on this one! I start with how the client will use fonts in templates in practice and their skills. If a client wants to avoid paying extra for the full version of Canva, for example, or a unique font, then the choices are reduced. If they do, then there's more room for creativity. Tune into their needs and work backward, keeping the budget in mind. Fonts can get expensive quickly depending on how they are used and the required licenses. 

 

My answer: it is possible to add fonts to Microsoft 365 but as with the previous answer, the licensing may be expensive. A cheaper option is to add different fonts through graphics and stick with the standard fonts. I like Verdana which was created for Microsoft.

 

My answer: fonts are bought by licence, so it's doubtful that the font can be trademarked as the type designer will sell it in multiple places. Just like design and illustrations, fonts are commissioned for brands as part of a graphic or an entire working font with font files created for loading to computers and websites with Unicode applied to each character. An example is Johnston Sans, or Johnston 100, the font created by Edward Johnston for London Transport in 1916. Users can only obtain the font from TfL by filling out a vendor form with strict rules around usage.

 

My answer: I suggest three as a maximum but one stylish font with different weights can be effective. The poster below is designed with Garamond and contains five weights of the same typeface. Generally, the smaller the space, the fewer fonts are needed. An Instagram Square might be better with one font if there's also a logo present in a different typeface. I have three fonts in my current branding - LA Luxe Serif and Script - a family, and Open Sans for my newsletter. I prefer to use Cormorant to match my website, but I've flexed my brand to work best with the newsletter platform, and you may have to do the same.

I love discussing design! I've updated my speaking page with new topics. As a trained coach and designer, I often sense frustration with design as it can be complex and hard to grasp. The design should be understandable and entertaining. If you want me to speak at your event, I promise your audience will get the best from their time with me and take away actionable tips.

 

You can grab an opportunity to suggest a topic for a design workshop, which I'll add to a library of learning. Let me know; I look forward to hearing from you!

I have been using Loom videos a lot. I record them and send them to clients when I have something that might be too complex for emails. The feedback has been positive, and I've begun creating frequently asked questions. Would that be helpful for you? Do you use videos as instructional tools in your work? I'd love to chat about this.

 

What website platform should you use? AAsk this question, and you may get answers based on personal experience or what people may have heard. Maybe they are WordPress wizards or Shopify sleuths who are eager to sell their services and show their expertise. Here's the thing: they're not you. Nobody but you knows how comfortable you feel about tech and the goals for your website. How do you get the right one? Let's find out.

 

On LinkedIn I created one of my infrequent but effective sharing posts! Over Easter, I asked my network to share what they do. If you're looking for help with copywriting and marketing, here are some people you may wish to know.

 

I was pleased to be part of Drive the Network's March speakers list. I presented workshop on good design for small businesses. The audience of professional business owners wanted simple tips to enable their businesses to look better online. The feedback was fantastic, with great questions to follow up on during and after the event.