I know when I was starting out as a graphic designer, I didn’t have the library of typefaces that I do now. Not only that, but I was completely SHOCKED by how expensive some typefaces were! (“What do you mean this typeface cost $1,500 dollars?!)
So what’s a youn graphic designer to do? Spend hours scrolling through hundreds of free fonts on websites like fontsquirrel.com (my personal favorite), dafont.com and 1001freefonts.com to find free yet appealing fonts they can use?
Yep, that is exactly what you are expected to do. That, or dish out the big bucks.
Lucky for you, I’ve done the hard work for you. I’ve compiled 6 pairings of my absolute favorite free typefaces for your ease and enjoyment.
1) Sail & Open Sans
I am obviously partial to this particular font combination, as it is the same combination that I have used to design our own website. I’ve also designed other ROI Online marketing materials using this combination and have found that it works well both online and on print materials.
Open Sans
It has 10 styles
Find it here: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/open-sans
Sail
It has 1 style
Find it here: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/sail
2) Abril Fatface & New Cicle Semi
I love the way these two fonts compliment each other. Pairing them up as partnering display and body copy fonts is like pairing Sonny up with Cher. First of all, Abril Fatface has the most adorable round tittles ever (the round thing above the lowercase “i“ and “j”). Its heavy yet playful nature is a nice contrast to the light appearance of New Cicle.
Abril Fatface
It has 1 style
Find It here: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/abril-fatface
New Cicle
It has 6 styles
Find it here: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/New-Cicle
3) Ostrich Sans Inline / Ostrich Sans & Amble
I think almost everyone can agree that inline fonts are super fun. But a lot of people would also agree that they can get old FAST. That’s why I like to pair Ostrich Sans Inline with regular Ostrich Sans and have them work together as a kickass display font team.
Use some of the other font styles available to create header tiers to make the piece more visually interesting, but not overwhelming. Join forces with a modern san serif body copy font, like Amble, and start designing. I used the light condensed version of Amble because I personally think it pairs the best with the condensed style of Ostrich Sans.
Ostrich Sans / Ostrich Sans Inline
It has 10 styles
Find them here:
http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/ostrich-sans
http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/ostrich-sans-inline
Amble
It has 8 styles
Find it here:http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/amble
4) Langdon & Roboto
Langdon is a heavy, condensed, all uppercase font that is great for display text. I like that this font offers a version of each character with a shadow outline effect. This gives you, the designer, some design options without having to add another font to your piece. I like to couple Langdon up with Roboto, an easy-to-read body copy font that has a large variety of styles and quite the reputation (it also happens to be the font used on Android devices).
Langdon
It has 2 styles (upper and lower case)
Find it here: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/langdon
Roboto
It has 16 styles
Find it here: http://www.dafont.com/roboto.font
5) Hello Script & Cormorant
This sweeping, dreamy script (Hello Script) paired with the clean, almost old-fashioned, serif font (Cormorant) looks like it came out of a storybook. It just makes me smile. This combo isn’t perfect for every occasion, and it is very feminine, so be careful how you use it. But when used correctly, it’s darling! This font pairing would be appropriate for a wedding or baby shower invitation, for example.
Hello Script
It has 1 style
Find it here: http://www.dafont.com/hello-script.font
Cormorant
It has 30 styles
Find it here: http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/cormorant
6) Dita Sweet & Champagne & Limousines
One word: FANCY. Dita Sweet is a nice compromise between delicate and bold. It has unique features that clearly set it apart from other fonts without completely distracting the viewer. Pair it with Champagne & Limousines, a thin, round and fun sans serif. You won’t be disappointed.
Dita Sweet
It has 1 style
Find it here: http://www.dafont.com/dita-sweet.font
Champagne & Limousines
It has 4 styles
Find it here: http://www.dafont.com/champagne-limousines.font
Making a typeface match in heaven can be tricky, especially when you are on a tight deadline. That’s why we created this convenient, downloadable and FREE font pairings starter pack!
Whether you need to design a website or business cards for a client, or a bridal shower invite for a friend, these font pairing suggestions will make you look like a typography wizard!
Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2015. It has been updated for freshness and accuracy.
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