A friend advised that while writing academic essays it is best to use Comic Sans because it prevents your writing from seeming stiff and stifled. You, of course, convert the font prior to submission of the document. It works!
I like Comic Sans because it reminds me of my mom. She always used Comic Sans on things she printed out, so every time I see it, it's like a little note from my mom.
Of course, it's funny when it's used in incongruous places, but that makes it all the better.
I wonder how much of the distaste isn’t for Comic Sans, exactly, but for misplaced typefaces in general—and this just happens to be one of about three font families the general public can name.
(Still wishing there was a companion Comic Serif font—wait, lemme Google…)
I appreciate your sticking up for the underdog. It's not the worst typeface ever constructed, no. It does have a strong personality, especially for one who is so light-hearted. There's no mistaking this face. I think it has been misused to convey friendliness.
I worked at a school in which all documents had to be written in comic sans- even policy ones. Which meant there were pages of information about health and safety and child safeguarding all set in 11pt comic sans. It was… interesting. I’m also a huge fan of the book Just My Type! I’ll have to check out Simon Garfield’s new books on type- thanks for the recommendation. And thanks for another great piece!
God help me, I googled and you’re right, comic sans! Also, I really don’t hate comic sans and I don’t quite understand why folks do. I scrolled down and noticed that comic sans is good for people with ADHD, so maybe that explains why I don’t hate on it. (OpenDyslexic is a built-in font in the Kindle reader and I don’t have dyslexia, but I can read at twice the speed and comprehension using that font… they don’t offer a comic sans option, but I’d sure like to test that ADHD claim)
I will admit, I have read some things disputing the dyslexia claim since I made this graphic a few years ago. That's really interesting about your OpenDyslexic anecdote!
I think Papyrus is more overused. Comic Sans has a very definite character - accessible, non-threatening and childlike. Perhaps this is why so many gravitate towards using it without thinking how it reflects on the perception of their brand / product. My least favourite use of it - a scaffolding company’s logo!
A Guide for Murdered Children has to be one of the best book titles ever -- and I love that cover! Proof that comic sans can work in the right context!
A friend advised that while writing academic essays it is best to use Comic Sans because it prevents your writing from seeming stiff and stifled. You, of course, convert the font prior to submission of the document. It works!
That sounds like an effective trick, I like it!
I like Comic Sans because it reminds me of my mom. She always used Comic Sans on things she printed out, so every time I see it, it's like a little note from my mom.
Of course, it's funny when it's used in incongruous places, but that makes it all the better.
I wonder how much of the distaste isn’t for Comic Sans, exactly, but for misplaced typefaces in general—and this just happens to be one of about three font families the general public can name.
(Still wishing there was a companion Comic Serif font—wait, lemme Google…)
This is so cool, I love the way you did this post!!
Thanks Auzin!
I appreciate your sticking up for the underdog. It's not the worst typeface ever constructed, no. It does have a strong personality, especially for one who is so light-hearted. There's no mistaking this face. I think it has been misused to convey friendliness.
I worked at a school in which all documents had to be written in comic sans- even policy ones. Which meant there were pages of information about health and safety and child safeguarding all set in 11pt comic sans. It was… interesting. I’m also a huge fan of the book Just My Type! I’ll have to check out Simon Garfield’s new books on type- thanks for the recommendation. And thanks for another great piece!
God help me, I googled and you’re right, comic sans! Also, I really don’t hate comic sans and I don’t quite understand why folks do. I scrolled down and noticed that comic sans is good for people with ADHD, so maybe that explains why I don’t hate on it. (OpenDyslexic is a built-in font in the Kindle reader and I don’t have dyslexia, but I can read at twice the speed and comprehension using that font… they don’t offer a comic sans option, but I’d sure like to test that ADHD claim)
I will admit, I have read some things disputing the dyslexia claim since I made this graphic a few years ago. That's really interesting about your OpenDyslexic anecdote!
I think Papyrus is more overused. Comic Sans has a very definite character - accessible, non-threatening and childlike. Perhaps this is why so many gravitate towards using it without thinking how it reflects on the perception of their brand / product. My least favourite use of it - a scaffolding company’s logo!
When I was in Italy ten years ago, I saw a pizzeria sign that used Comic Sans! The misuses of the font are endless.
A Guide for Murdered Children has to be one of the best book titles ever -- and I love that cover! Proof that comic sans can work in the right context!
Nice article. Comic Sans has its uses. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either.