Fine Art Yearbook: Typeface Tests (Body Copy)

Earlier I spent some time preparing a few typeface tests for the main body copy of the Fine Art Yearbook. As Graham outlined last year, you can't judge how text reads in real life just by looking at it on screen.

As a result, the group and I (until now) weren't sure which typeface would compliment Estilo or Quicksand most effectively. The three to pick from were Monaco, Courier or Courier New (all fixed width typefaces).


Quite quickly an off-screen glance confirmed that Courier would be too heavy for the light an delicate qualities of our header type... It would contrast, yes. But this is not something we are looking to achieve.

Between Monaco and Courier New, we bracketed the point sizes that felt most comfortable to read and finally opted for 7.5pt Courier New on 13.5pt leading. (7pt being too small/light, and 8pt being a little big/cumbersome).

In opposition to Courier New, Monaco's narrower letter widths made the typeface feel that little bit heavier and in my opinion less appealing to read. Thus, our final decision was made.