Our top 9 font and typography trends for 2019

There have never been more ways for creative users to access fonts. 44% of font users report getting their fonts from a subscription service, while My Fonts is looking to be the most popular pay-per-use option with a strong selection for users to choose from. Creatives have easy access to a wide variety of font options for their projects, so which font styles are coming out top of the pile? We’ve put together our list of top font and typography trends for 2019 to help you stay ahead of the curve…

1. Variable

Industry giants Apple, Google, Microsoft and Adobe partnered back in October 2016 to create a new type technology called ‘variable fonts’, which was introduced in version 1.8 of the OpenType font format. Variable fonts are single fonts that behaves like multiples ones, and saw rapid adoption in software and web browsers throughout 2018. Responding to the need for faster and more compact ways to deliver dynamic fonts for the web, variable fonts provide smooth, non-discrete transition between weights and continuous variation along width axis.

2. Handwritten

Ideal for when you want to convey a certain personality, handwritten fonts will never go out of style. We saw plenty of handwritten fonts in 2018, and it’s still going strong in 2019 –brush fonts with bold lines and grungy edges are looking particularly hot for this year. This type can also be easily overlaid with foil or watercolour textures if you want to tap into two trends for the price of one. Designers appear to be using it sparingly, however, reserved for logos, graphics, main headers or promotional items – although pretty, no one wants to read an entire paragraph in artful calligraphy.

3. Layered elements

Traditionally, text and other elements such as graphics and photographs are kept separate, however recently designers have been experimenting with having elements overlap. By layering elements, the end result can actually help users focus on the words. The most common uses of layered elements involve text interacting with boxed images or colour, though some designers push the trend even further by having typography cutting around images. For example, making it appear as though a person is walking into the words. The trend originated in print design where it’s most popular (and somewhat easier to pull off), with designers getting the right balance between the images and the text to ensure each letter can still be read.

4. Vintage

Vintage is a genre that never seems to go out of style, whether you’re talking about fonts or fashion. Similarly to handwritten, vintage typography allows the audience to connect with the design, as it’s something they’re probably already familiar with. Designers are using vintage fonts to help convey elegance, nostalgia and whimsy when sending messages about their brand values. Vintage fonts are also great for layering textures, and some fonts like Gutenberg and Nexa Rust Slab Black Shadow are textured right out of the box, so you don’t need to spend time adding a printed look to your vintage typography.

5. Watercolour

Pairing perfectly with handwritten fonts, watercolour typography rose in popularity through 2018 and is expected to be even more popular this year. Although watercolours were previously reserved for backgrounds, they’re being used more frequently at the forefront of designs. Watercolour fonts can be calming, artistic or playful, with designers using them to create a more personal and refreshing aesthetic, while taking away the seriousness of business.

6. Big and small

Just as variable typography adds contrast between font types, changing up the size of fonts can also work really well at catching the eye. While many people are attracted to things that match, using big and small fonts together has been gaining popularity with designers over the years and looks to be a key trend for 2019. Inspired by glossy magazines and created to give your designs a bold appearance, the big and small trend can be paired with variable fonts but is commonly used with heavy sans serif fonts like Futura Black and Bebas Neue Bold, with narrowed fonts used for small text.

7. Colour

While minimalist black and white ruled for a while, colour typography is making a comeback allowing designers to be more creative with their projects. Colour and chromatic fonts can take advantage of extensive OpenType features, meaning raster (non-scalable) and vector (scalable) images can be used. The most popular tool for creating colour fonts to tap into this trend in 2019 is FontSelf for Photoshop, whose creators are big fans of the trend.

8. Geometric

We’ve talked about handwritten and watercolour brush fonts being big in 2019, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for geometric typography too. Straight lines and rounded corners will almost always be in and, even within those boundaries, the style leaves plenty of room for you to get creative. They’re particularly popular for science, tech and engineering companies, or for bringing a futuristic aesthetic to your brand. Geometric fonts are interesting while remaining readable and easy to scan, making them a popular choice for branding and logo design.

9. Serifs

We’ve had many years of creatives primarily choosing sans serif fonts, but things appear to be shifting in 2019. Designers are finding that serif fonts are a great way to add some flare to an otherwise straight-faced design, and can vary depending on how much of that flare you want to add. While once declared difficult to read online, typography with extra strokes on characters are becoming more and more popular with creatives, and readability doesn’t have to be an issue if you know how to use them right. For web projects, we’re seeing lettering styles with regular to thicker strokes, and careful attention given to line-spacing so that every word is easy to understand. Designers are using serifs to bring character and charm to brands, without going over the top.

Handling fonts with Creative Cloud

Thanks to research by Creative Pro, we know that 67% of font users are aware that Adobe Fonts (formerly the ever-popular TypeKit, but now expanded to include more than just web fonts) is included with an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription – so for the remaining 33% of you, here’s a quick recap. Adobe Fonts includes unlimited fonts with no extra charges, as all fonts included are cleared for personal and commercial use. You can browse fonts in this year’s most popular styles either in-app or within a web browser, quickly toggle the ones you want to use, and your active fonts will appear in all your menus ready to use.

If you’re more interested in powerful font management than typography trends, we’ve got that covered too – head over to our creative IT-focussed article on font management solutions to help you effectively manage fonts, reduce costs, and mitigate legal risks.

Ready to use 2019’s hottest fonts to create your next marketing masterpiece? Get kitted out with everything you need by giving our sales team a call on 03332 409 204 or emailing DandP@Jigsaw24.com. For all the latest news, trends and events, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.