Fonts. One of my most favorite subjects to talk about in the world of graphic design. Fonts, for those that aren't in tune with graphic design lingo, is the appearance of text in a design. Fonts dictate how a word, phrase, or body of text is perceived -- based upon appearance, of course. Like color, fonts can evoke different emotions for different designs if used properly. Fonts have evolved over the years, leaving graphic designers with more options now than years past. The problem, though, is that not all fonts are created equal. Some fonts are better for headers, others are better for body text. Some fonts do both, but it's rare to find a font that impresses and informs.

Maybe you're stuck in a rut when it comes to fonts...which is maybe why you're here. In that case, as someone who has some experience in graphic design, I'd like to offer seven very important tips on how to properly use fonts.

Tip 1: Pick Appropriate Fonts

This is an obvious tip, but picking the right fonts for a design give you a frame to work with. What is a "right font"? Well, imagine you're designing a wedding pamphlet. Would it make sense to put a horror-themed font for "John and Jane's Wedding"? Unless that's what they want, chances are no, it wouldn't. Instead, you'd want to pick a classic, regal, or important font. Pick fonts that make sense for your design.

Tip 2: Know Your Fonts

Okay, quick, what's Helvetica look like? Times New Roman? Montserrat? Knowing your fonts is part of graphic design. To use a font, you first have to get familiar with that font and how it's used. Typically, Times New Roman is a body font, not a header font. But remember what I said by fonts who do both? Montserrat is an example of a font that works with both body text and headers. To know your fonts and what they can (and can't) do is a very important skill in graphic design. But then again, the sky's the limit.

Tip 3: Don't Overdo It

It can be tempting, when you find a good bunch of fonts, to use them all on a design. BUT. DON'T. DO. IT. Seriously, don't overdo it. Different fonts are great to use, but the variation in fonts should be used at least sparingly. If you're wanting to get a feeling of contrast, use at most two different fonts on a design (like Lobster and Montserrat, which are my go-to fonts).

Tip 4: Contrast Fonts

When you have contrasting fonts, you have...well, contrasting fonts. But using two fonts that seem to be complete opposites actually makes a difference in a design. Contrasting fonts can make a word or phrase stand out.

Tip 5: Put On a Mask!

Sometimes, when you're working with fonts, you may want to use a mask. No, I'm not saying you should put on a mask (that's just silly), but that the text you're working with could use a mask. When you're working on a design, try working with a clipping mask. For those that don't know what a clipping mask is, it's a technique used in graphic design that clips away a certain part of an image. Think of it like clipping coupons out from an ad or creating a collage with scraps of paper that have been cut out. Clipping masks can be used to cut out an important element of an image to use for later, and a text clipping mask does just the same. Only, with a text clipping mask, you're encapsulating an important (or purely stylistic) element of an image into one design. Text clipping masks work to add focus and attention to both the text and design -- but remember, don't overdo it!

Tip 6: Go With Your Instinct

In studying graphic design, one of the best advice I've received is going with my instinct. Now, "going with your instinct" doesn't mean "shut down every legitimate piece of advice you get" regarding design. But, going with your instinct simply means to go with what you feel is right. In terms of fonts and design, if you feel a certain font should work with a design, go with it. Oftentimes, our instinct is right. Try out the font you feel is right in a design. If you don't like it, try a different font. But first, go with your instinct.

Tip 7: Go Font-Fishing

Got your lure and gear? Sometimes in graphic design, we can hit a brick wall when it comes to what fonts to use. We might try out different fonts, only to find that there's something missing from these fonts. The design is fine, but we might need to go font-fishing. What is font-fishing? Similar to regular fishing, font-fishing involves patience and motivation. In font-fishing, it's all about looking for what would be the "right font" for the job. This means going to font websites (like dafont or Google Fonts) and picking out some fonts that could work. Of course, that doesn't mean that all fonts can work for your design. Some fonts even have a readme file that prohibit the use of the font commercially, so you might want to check that out, too. But font-fishing is a great way to expand your library of fonts and find more fonts that work for your design.

I hope these seven tips help you unlock font potential. And keep on the lookout for new fonts! These will definitely enhance your design.