Typography is the heartbeat of design. It shapes how we read, feel, and connect with visual messages. Whether you’re designing a logo, poster, or website, good typography can elevate your work from ordinary to unforgettable.

At FH Font Studio, I’ve learned that even small adjustments in type — spacing, scale, contrast — can completely change the mood of a design. Here are my best typography tips that every designer should know.

1. Start with Hierarchy

Typography is visual storytelling. Hierarchy helps readers know where to start, what to focus on, and what to read next. Without it, your design becomes noise.

Use size, weight, and spacing to guide the eye. Headlines should stand out, subheads should support, and body text should feel comfortable to read. A clear structure builds confidence and keeps your audience engaged.

Pro tip: In digital layouts, aim for a type scale like 12–16px body / 24–36px headings to keep visual rhythm consistent.

2. Mind Your Spacing: Kerning, Tracking, and Leading

Spacing is the silent hero of good typography. Three small adjustments can instantly make your text more professional:

• Kerning adjusts the space between individual letters — critical for logos or headlines.
• Tracking changes the spacing of an entire word or line — great for subtle mood changes.
• Leading (line spacing) defines how comfortable a paragraph feels to read.

Too tight, and it feels suffocating. Too loose, and the reader loses rhythm. Aim for balance that fits your brand’s tone — a playful script font might need more breathing room, while a geometric sans can stay compact.

3. Choose Fonts with Purpose

Don’t choose a font just because it “looks nice.” Choose it because it fits your message.

• Serif fonts → reliable, timeless, elegant.
• Sans-serif fonts → modern, clean, minimal.
• Script fonts → emotional, handcrafted, friendly.
• Display fonts → bold, expressive, attention-grabbing.

Use fonts that mirror your brand voice. For example, Butter Luchy radiates warmth and approachability — perfect for handmade products or boutique brands. Meanwhile, Hunter Heart brings a strong personality and modern confidence, ideal for bold campaigns.

Explore more handcrafted typefaces at FH Font Studio Fonts.

4. Pair Fonts Wisely

Mixing fonts can enhance visual contrast — but do it carefully. Poor pairing creates chaos; good pairing creates balance.

Here’s a simple rule: Contrast, don’t conflict.

• Pair a serif with a sans-serif for balance (e.g., elegant headlines with clean body text).
• Use one display font for emphasis and a neutral one for readability.
• Limit yourself to two or three fonts maximum across all materials.

If you’re unsure, tools like FontPair can help, or check our upcoming Font Pairing Guide for curated combinations.

5. Master Alignment and Consistency

Alignment gives structure and harmony. Left alignment feels natural for reading, while centered text adds formality or emotional tone. Justify only when spacing stays consistent — uneven rivers of white space can distract the eye.

Use consistent alignment, margins, and font sizes across all design assets to create a unified brand look. When typography looks organized, your audience subconsciously trusts your design more.

6. Think in Grids and Rhythm

Typography is visual music — it needs rhythm. Use grids to align your text elements, keep spacing consistent, and maintain flow. A grid doesn’t restrict creativity; it amplifies it by giving balance.

When text lines up perfectly across different sections, the reader feels guided — even if they don’t notice it consciously. This is what separates amateur from professional design.

7. Color and Contrast Matter

Typography isn’t just about shapes — it’s also about how light and color interact. Ensure enough contrast between text and background for readability.

Use contrast strategically: black on white for clarity, muted tones for subtle branding, or vibrant combinations for energy. Be mindful of accessibility — always test contrast ratios for web text.

8. Test, Refine, and Feel

Typography is part science, part intuition. Print your design, view it on different screens, and ask: How does it feel?

If your design looks good but feels wrong, it might be a spacing or proportion issue. Trust your eyes — they develop sensitivity with time and experience.

The Essentials

Great typography is invisible — it guides, not shouts. It builds emotion, not just aesthetics. By mastering hierarchy, spacing, and pairing, you give your message clarity and soul.

As a designer, your fonts are your voice. Use them with purpose, care, and rhythm — and your work will always stand out.

Discover handcrafted fonts, design guides, and creative inspiration at FH Font Studio →