Are 'free fonts' destroying the art of typography?

[dot design]

Are 'free fonts' destroying the art of typography?

Discuss..

[NeedForBleed]

I think they're encouraging creativity if anything. I mean, people are always on the hunt for originality, so will want to look for new ways of toying with fonts, and trying new fonts altogether in some cases. I think it's pushing the boundaries for people who want to create their own unique typefaces too.

That said, I have seen many pieces of work floating around the net which destroy my theory, where certain uncredited tutorials have flourished the design world. However, anybody who has visited a few websites can soon spot these clone designs a mile off. I'm all for inspiring techniques, but some people have just plagiarised, which is an ugly occurrence in the industry.

On the whole though, I think free fonts offer people an alternative, and it's up to people on how they use them.

[Ozwaldo Sanchez]

Yes…






every free font should have a clause whereby the downloader has to delete comic sans as a pre-download check… at least then some good may come of this!

[designerste]

Personally i think theres alot of of free fonts which i think are rubbish, but theres also a lot which i have used myself. I think you really have to search for good free fonts!

Along the same line as this, does anyone know of any decent software which allows you to create your own fonts?

[Boss Hog]

Along the same line as this, does anyone know of any decent software which allows you to create your own fonts?

Try these threads...

Create Fonts for Free!

Creating a new font!

Create your own Font then use it in your designs

[dot design]

Yes…






every free font should have a clause whereby the downloader has to delete comic sans as a pre-download check… at least then some good may come of this!

excellent I'd agree to this, maybe we should start a campaign 'no to comic sans'

[Jonze]

excellent I'd agree to this, maybe we should start a campaign 'no to comic sans'

It's been done :P

Any good designer knows to stay away from free fonts, for every billion crappy ones theres one usable one.

[dot design]

It's been done :P

Any good designer knows to stay away from free fonts, for every billion crappy ones theres one usable one.

I disagree, I think that the standard of free fonts has increased hugely over the last few years.

[Boss Hog]

I disagree, I think that the standard of free fonts has increased hugely over the last few years.

I agree with Gareth on this, I have seen some great free fonts of late....obviously there is still some crap about mind.

[Jonze]

I'm not saying they're all bad, I'm just saying that there's a whole lot more really bad ones then there are good ones.