Font Friday – June 18

There are two types of graphic designers in this world – those who hate Comics Sans and those who hate Comic Sans even more. Poor little Comic Sans is reviled by most designers yet is universally loved by the general public. Like Uggs, Crocs and trucker hats it falls in the category of things made for a very specific purpose used instead in ALL contexts and loved by the masses for it. So why is it that those who work with type on a regular basis despise this “cheery, happy” font with such passion? I can’t speak for everyone but I can certainly say why I don’t like it.

I think it’s overused and a lazy choice. Perhaps an analogy will help. Uggs were made to keep you warm INDOORS but here we are, seeing them six years later, during the summer with sundresses. Crocs were made for the garden and I can say I’ve seen Crocs almost everywhere BUT the garden. Well, Comic Sans suffers the same affliction. It’s good for comics drawn by your kid who’s 8. That’s it.

Not good for business cards.
Not good for storefronts (unless, maybe, you sell comics, maybe).
Not good for signs in the bathroom reminding you to wipe your seat.

Now, you might be saying, “but I like my Uggs/Crocs… they’re comfy.” Yes, they are, but so is my bathrobe and I don’t wear that to work. It’s all about context and I’m guessing that 99% of the time, the context would be better represented by something other than Comic Sans.

You might also be saying, “well, Helvetica is overused and you’re not hating on Helvetica.” Indeed, Helvetica is EVERYWHERE and lots of designers hate Helvetica too. But to me, it’s like a classic little black dress. Boring if that’s all you wear every day but in a style pinch, there it is, reliable and ready to make you look good. My closet isn’t filled with little black dresses but every girl has one, just like every designer has Helvetica in their arsenal.

The reason to hate on Comic Sans go on and on and on and Brain Hoff over at The Design Cubicle did a great job of compiling the most common complaints on why Designers hate and clients love this font. The article may be dated but trust me, the reasons are timeless.

And since I can’t pick on Comic Sans without giving it a chance to defend itself, here’s what Comic Sans had to say (through it’s spokesperson Timothy McSweeney).

Have a great weekend everyone! And if you ever feel the need to use Comic Sans – don’t.

~ Cassie

{ via @nicksherman and my best friend Jen, image from Identifont }