What typography tricks can you use to set the mood in your graphics?

1 Choose the right font

The first and most obvious typography trick is to choose a font that matches the mood you want to create. Different fonts have different personalities, associations, and impressions. For example, serif fonts are often seen as classic, elegant, and formal, while sans serif fonts are modern, clean, and minimal. Script fonts can be romantic, playful, or sophisticated, depending on their style and curvature. Display fonts can be bold, quirky, or creative, depending on their shape and texture. Think about the tone and purpose of your graphic, and pick a font that reflects that.

2 Adjust the spacing

The spacing between and within the letters can also affect the mood of your graphic. Spacing is measured by two terms: kerning and leading. Kerning is the space between individual letters, while leading is the space between lines of text. Generally, tighter spacing can create a sense of urgency, intimacy, or tension, while looser spacing can create a sense of openness, airiness, or relaxation. You can adjust the spacing to fit the mood of your graphic, but be careful not to make it too tight or too loose, as that can affect the readability and legibility of your text.

3 Use contrast and hierarchy

Contrast and hierarchy are two principles that can help you create visual interest and emphasis in your graphic. Contrast is the difference between elements, such as size, color, weight, or style. Hierarchy is the order of importance or sequence of elements, such as title, subtitle, or body text. You can use contrast and hierarchy to highlight the most important or relevant information, draw attention to certain parts of your graphic, or create a sense of drama or balance. For example, you can use a large, bold font for your headline, and a smaller, lighter font for your subhead or body text. You can also use different colors or styles to create contrast and hierarchy.

4 Experiment with alignment

Alignment is the way you position your text in relation to the edges of your graphic or other elements. There are four main types of alignment: left, right, center, and justify. Each one can create a different mood or impression in your graphic. Left alignment is the most common and natural way of aligning text, as it follows the direction of reading. It can create a sense of order, clarity, and consistency. Right alignment is less common and more unconventional, as it goes against the direction of reading. It can create a sense of curiosity, novelty, or sophistication. Center alignment is symmetrical and balanced, as it places the text in the middle of the graphic. It can create a sense of importance, formality, or elegance. Justify alignment is when the text is aligned to both the left and right edges of the graphic, creating a block of text. It can create a sense of completeness, solidity, or professionalism.

5 Add some flair

The last typography trick is to add some flair to your text, such as effects, shapes, or illustrations. These can enhance the mood and meaning of your text, as well as make it more attractive and memorable. For example, you can use drop shadows, gradients, or outlines to create depth, dimension, or emphasis. You can use curves, circles, or squares to create movement, harmony, or contrast. You can use icons, images, or symbols to create context, association, or expression. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much flair can distract from the message or clutter the graphic. Use flair sparingly and strategically, and make sure it complements the mood and style of your graphic.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?