I get quite a few “home user files”, often made in Word or … borrowed copies of Photoshop and Illustrator, and Comic Sans is still loved by many of them.
Recently I got a file from a friend that contained the freeware font that’s aptly named “I Hate Comic Sans”. It’s similar in style, but clearly not Comic Sans, thank god
The biggest problem with Comic Sans is that it is used too much and screams “AMATEUR.” Still there is a time and place for it, just as there is for Courier, Tekton, Brush Script, and many others that we love to hate.
I agree that there’s nothing inherently noxious about Comic Sans. It must look pretty good to the average person if it’s so overused. But I think it has been present “at the scene” of so many designcrimes, that it suffers guilt by association. It’s hard for me to see it with fresh eyes.
On the other hand, if I were setting the text in a comic-style speech balloon, it would probably be high on my short list. In that context it all but disappears. Even the — um — odd kerning fails to offend.
[shudder]
Papyrus, definitely Papyrus.
(hopefully it is a menu)
It is only six characters on one page, but still.
…only if you promise to set it in all caps.
Sheesh. Isn’t there a designer’s version of the hippocratic oath somewhere?
This video on Comic Sans seems appropriate: http://vimeo.com/1994310
Thanks for the link.
Very… interesting video.
Comical really.
I get quite a few “home user files”, often made in Word or … borrowed copies of Photoshop and Illustrator, and Comic Sans is still loved by many of them.
Recently I got a file from a friend that contained the freeware font that’s aptly named “I Hate Comic Sans”. It’s similar in style, but clearly not Comic Sans, thank god
Use a script font in all caps, that will still be way better.
I just had this discussion with a secretary yesterday!!!
Just refer to this simple flowchart when trying to decide to use Comic Sans. It’s never failed me.
http://i.imgur.com/W6zzI.jpg
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Comic Sans is a very well designed font.
It just happens to rank number one on the most horribly misused font list.
You should need a license (not the EULA kind) to install it.
The biggest problem with Comic Sans is that it is used too much and screams “AMATEUR.” Still there is a time and place for it, just as there is for Courier, Tekton, Brush Script, and many others that we love to hate.
I agree that there’s nothing inherently noxious about Comic Sans. It must look pretty good to the average person if it’s so overused. But I think it has been present “at the scene” of so many designcrimes, that it suffers guilt by association. It’s hard for me to see it with fresh eyes.
@Jerome, 100% agree.
In this video, Comic Sans is the hero. If you haven’t seen this, it’s good for a laugh!
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1823766
On the other hand, if I were setting the text in a comic-style speech balloon, it would probably be high on my short list. In that context it all but disappears. Even the — um — odd kerning fails to offend.