When it comes to creating a company logo, the choice of fonts is a critical decision. Fonts have the power to evoke emotions, convey brand personality, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. However, not all fonts are suitable for logo design. There are a few fonts that most logo maker sites will steer clear of altogether.
Some fonts can undermine the professionalism, credibility, or uniqueness of your brand. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most notorious fonts that should be avoided when creating your company’s logo.
1. Comic Sans
Comic Sans is perhaps the most notorious font on this list. While it may be suitable for informal contexts, it is widely regarded as unprofessional and inappropriate for a company logo. The informal, rounded letterforms and irregular strokes give off an amateurish vibe that can damage your brand’s credibility.
2. Papyrus
Papyrus gained popularity with the release of the movie “Avatar,” but it quickly became overused and cliché. This font, inspired by ancient Egyptian writing, may initially seem exotic and intriguing. However, it lacks versatility and can easily appear dated. Using Papyrus in your logo can make your brand look unoriginal and out of touch with current design trends.
3. Curlz
Curlz is a highly decorative font with exaggerated loops and swirls. While it may have a place in certain contexts, like children’s products or party invitations, it is unsuitable for a professional company logo. Curlz is difficult to read, lacks legibility at smaller sizes, and can be perceived as juvenile or unrefined.
4. Impact
Impact is a bold, heavy font that demands attention. However, its frequent use in memes and internet humor has led to it being associated with jokes and a lack of seriousness. Furthermore, Impact’s condensed letterforms can make it challenging to read, especially when used in intricate logo designs. If you want your brand to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid Impact.
5. Brush Script
Brush Script is a cursive font that imitates handwriting with a brush or pen. While it can convey a sense of elegance and informality, it is often seen as outdated and lacks the modern touch that many brands strive for. Additionally, the thin strokes of Brush Script can become illegible at smaller sizes, diminishing the impact of your logo.
6. Algerian
Algerian is a decorative font with elaborate details and flourishes. It was popular in the ’90s but has since fallen out of favor due to its excessive ornamentation and lack of versatility. Algerian is challenging to read, especially at smaller sizes, and can make your logo appear cluttered and outdated.
7. Mistral
Mistral is a script font characterized by dramatic, swirling strokes. While it may seem elegant and artistic, it suffers from legibility issues and can be perceived as difficult to read. The intricate nature of Mistral can make it unsuitable for logos, as it may lose its impact when scaled down or reproduced in different mediums.
8. Jokerman
Jokerman is a bold, attention-grabbing font with exaggerated serifs and heavy strokes. However, it is widely regarded as unprofessional and gimmicky. The extreme stylization of Jokerman can make it difficult to read, especially in smaller sizes. Using this font in your logo can give off the impression of a lack of seriousness and professionalism.
9. Bleeding Cowboys
Bleeding Cowboys is a distressed, Western-style font that gained popularity in the early 2000s. While it may convey a rustic or rebellious vibe, it has become overused and lacks originality. Additionally, the rough texture and intricate details of Bleeding Cowboys can make it challenging to read, particularly when scaled down or reproduced in different mediums.
10. Kristen ITC
Kristen ITC is an inappropriate choice for a company logo due to its lack of professionalism and informal appearance. The font’s script style and varying letterforms often result in reduced legibility, especially in smaller sizes or complex logo designs.
Its common usage also means that it lacks originality and fails to create a unique and memorable brand identity. Ultimately, Kristen ITC’s casual nature and limited versatility make it a poor fit for most business logos that require a more professional and distinct aesthetic.
A Significant Impact
The font you choose for your company logo can significantly impact how your brand is perceived. It is essential to avoid fonts that undermine professionalism, credibility, and uniqueness. Opting for clean, legible, and timeless fonts that align with your brand’s identity will help ensure that your logo reflects the level of professionalism your company deserves. Remember, your logo is the face of your brand, so make it count with the right font choice.
