Do you buy Commercial Fonts?
Posted: August 27, 2008 at 8.33 pmFiled under Blogging, Design Subscribe to comments
Just really interested on how many designers actually purchase commercial fonts. Or how many rely on the ’standard’ practice of ’supplied distribution’ of as and how?
Quote:
Q: Do people really pay money for fonts?
A: Yes. People do pay money for fonts. These fine, upstanding citizens of the graphic design community understand the splendid nature of quality digital typography and are willing and able to financially support the exemplary vision we strive to advance.
I am having a great time finding new commercial fonts from independent typographers and designers. So many to choose from, I have been gob smacked at the variety out there.
You are not just stick with Adobe, ITC, Bitstream, Monotype etc. There are extraordinary font designers out there with fonts really reasonably priced font families.
I personally have stopped using FREE fonts for some time, but like most, started out with these resources, and create designs around the fonts I do have. And where my cash flow allows, will purchase a new font now and again. A new font has actually won me several projects, and allows me the knowledge of knowing that I have a more unique design and that from a moral point of view, supporting the hard work of these typo magicians.
Obviously free fonts help you get your feet grounded. But there is a problem with this that goes beyond your ability to afford to buy them or not. When taking the responsibility of creating a new logo or brand, when using Free readily available fonts, you are in essence not acting on the best interests of the client. The font will be poorly made but will be common as muck… So look to invest some of your winnings on a new font or two, it’s money well invested in my eyes.
I think it’s just a wise thing to have in the back of your mind not to rely on free fonts as a long term goal.
Since I have discovered these independent sources, my enjoyment of my design work as gone up tremendously. I now really enjoy looking through all the cool fonts that are just, upwards of $20 dollars away. If you choose wisely, this might secure you a project win because you have a more unique font that other submissions.
4 Comments
September 1, 2008 at 7.40 pm
Good point, ive not seen this discussed any where, ive never bought a font but often thought about it and then discovered a free alternative, free fonts normally dont contain all the characters of the set which can be annoying, and they can quickly become widely used and common, i might actually start buying some fonts, buy i guess they have to be the right price if im honest.
Max | Design Shards last blog post..Grand Designs - Graphic designers showcase - Rock Sound - pt2
September 1, 2008 at 11.19 pm
I started this on the CrowdSpring Forums and it got a great response, here’s the links as it includes some great URLs, peoples best fonts and just useful advice:
http://forums.crowdspring.com/showthread.php?t=325
Best place to start thinking about buying fonts I found is http://www.t26.com and also start reading the Indie Font book, there are now 3 in the range, all independent type designers.
I have found stressing to a client that I am using a paid for commerical font over a free fone, especially for a logo has a lot of weight, if you explain the reasons.
Best Graham
September 4, 2008 at 2.51 pm
When buying high quality fonts to use in designs will increase the level of professionalism to the designs.
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For me the same, when I started buying font it opened my eyes to a whole new world. Fontshop.com is a good point to start with, be sure to also check ourtype.be
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September 13, 2008 at 11.49 am
@Max: No doubt, prices of fonts can be truely astronomical and well out of reach of most freelance designers. Which is a real shame as there are beautiful and crazy fonts that I would love to use, that would really make a job look stunning, but would cost me upwards of $1000 to buy.
When the job is budgeted at $500 that poses a problem.
So all it means is being able to search out the more independant font foundries, like http://www.t26.com where the average price if around $40 or so. If you are buying fmailies then expect to pay no more than a few hundred, which is still exceptional compared to Adobe etc.