5 versatile, low-cost fonts for sign work

The right typeface can really bring a sign layout to life. Likewise, type that is boring, generic or hard to read at the large sizes needed for signs can really turn readers off. It’s probably safe to say that most typefaces don’t work well on signs because they were primarily designed for use on the printed page or computer screen rather than on a truck door or 4×8.

Ken Tamashiro [Ken’s Custom Signs, Long Beach, California] is always looking for typefaces that bring energy to a sign layout. Here are five of his recent finds—three scripts and two bold display faces that are naturals for sign work. Each has a unique look and feel but is still legible at large sizes. And the price is right, too, since most are 25 bucks or less.

Check them out! You may want to add a few to your font collection and put them to work to help set your layouts apart in the sea of boring signage on the street.