We all have a “common enemy.” In design, that enemy often shows up as a font used in the wrong place, at the wrong time, in the wrong way. The result? Chaotic posters, failed campaigns, and brand images that crumble slowly. Not because the letters are evil. It’s usually about context, timing, and choices that don’t match the goal.
1) Overexposure. Once a font appears everywhere, it loses personality and starts to look cheap.
2) Out of its habitat. A loud display font forced into body text. A thin script used for 10 pt captions. Eyes get tired, the message sinks.
3) Bad baggage. Some fonts are tied to memes, low-budget flyers, or scammy posters. The reputation sticks.
4) Poor legibility. Weak contrast, sloppy kerning, cramped spacing. If text can’t be read, the brand looks careless.
5) Not system-friendly. A custom font without fallbacks breaks layouts when it fails to load on user devices.
Bottom line, “curses” are born from goal-blind decisions. Even a great font can “kill” a design when forced into the wrong role.
The brain prefers what’s easy to process. When letters are clear, rhythm steady, and contrast strong, the message feels “right” and credible. When reading is hard, the brain flags the task as heavy and judges the content as “dubious.” That’s why bad typography can make work look unprofessional even if the photos are stunning, the grid is tidy, and the copy is sharp.
Define the goal first. Do you want firm, friendly, elegant, or energetic? Let the mood guide the choice.
Build hierarchy. At least three levels: headline, subhead, body each with clear size and weight.
Test readability. Check small screens, bright light, and photo backgrounds. Your core message should register in one second.
Pick a complete family. From Light to Black, with italics and variable fonts if available. Flexible without mixing too many families.
Mind contrast and spacing. Line height at 140–160% for long content; tracking just enough for breathing room.
Set fallbacks. Choose system alternatives that echo the character so layouts hold across devices.
Document it. Write a quick type guide: sizes, weights, spacing, and do/don’t examples.
Is there a font that’s always bad?
No. There are fonts in the wrong context. Even a “cursed” font can shine in the right project.
What if the client insists?
Show an A/B comparison: easily readable vs. the client’s pick. Data often beats debate.
Can I use a viral font?
Sure if you define its role. Use it for a short campaign headline, not a 30-page manual.
A typography “curse” isn’t fate. It’s the result of small choices repeated: wrong context, weak hierarchy, mismatched expectations. When you set type with empathy prioritizing readability, consistency, and feel any font can work. Remember the job of typography is simple: make the message sound clear, feel right, and linger longer. Nail that, and there are no fonts that “kill” design only typography that brings it to life.
ALSO READ: New Fonts from Creative Labs: A Visual Spell for Your Brand or other articles on Blog Rubric.
