Those “in the know” know one thing for sure: Don’t use Comic Sans. Don’t use it on your web site. Don’t use it on your sign. Don’t use it on your photocopied lost dog notice. Don’t use it on your comic.
This could be overly dogmatic thinking. Comic Sans was created for a Microsoft app in order to give a more “human” dimension to the type. Unfortunately, due to overuse from rampant distribution, designers and others “in the know” have shunned it. Much has already been written on the subject. For instance, this post at Design for Hackers goes into a lot of typographic, historical and societal details about Comic Sans.
Also, evidence exists that Comic Sans and other harder-to-read typefaces work well for readers with dyslexia. Still, it is sometimes hard to justify selecting a typeface with such a negative reputation.
Comic Sans alternatives
Perhaps you have a project which demands a casual hand-written look. In your font menu Comic Sans lurks, but a little online search should reveal some viable alternatives. Here are some I have come across:
1. Dolcissimo Script
Fun and free-spirited with some strokes looping back on themselves.
2. Dyna Pro
This one is a more stylish casual script with letters that look like they want to dance.
3. Soli Px
O.K., here’s a cute one with a slight backward angle.
4. Tait Note
And finally, our own Tait Note. It is somewhat similar to Soli, but more angular and quirky. This is based on Jamie Tait’s scrawlings on various mixed tapes from back in the day.
So there we have it for now. Keep your antennas up for alternatives to overused typefaces and your project will have a more unique look. Stay tuned, I may post more casual handwriting fonts as I stumble across them.
