Papyrus For Logos … Just Say No!
Remember Papyrus? It started really showing itself several years ago, particularly in the identity material of alternative health practitioners? I’ll admit, I really liked it. I even used it as my default font for IMing for a while. But then it started showing up more and more. I started seeing it everywhere – on brochures, on awnings, on invitations. And it seemed that everyone was using it for their logos.
Well, I thought the trend had died down but just recently I’ve seen two new websites boasting big Papyrus logos – and one of them was a law firm! I don’t usually post about pet peeves but … please folks … when it comes to Papyrus for logos (and for pretty much anything at this point), just say no! Sometimes over-use can ruin a good thing. At that point it’s just time to let go.
To balance out my little rant I will share a recommendation: I’ve recently been using Suitcase to manage my fonts and I really like it. It’s so much easier to use than ATM, which is what I used before (and isn’t even supported by Adobe anymore, I just found out when hunting down that link). The only thing I wish Suitcase had was the ability to nest font groups. Anyone have a font-managing utility that they are really happy with? I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks!
June 8th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Thanks for saying this, Mani … I couldn’t agree more! This font has become quite ubiquitous! I think perhaps it became so popular because it was a nice and relatively (at the time) unusual brush font that was FREE.
I use Suitcase as well and have also been dissapointed with the lack of ability to create sets within sets. Other than that, though, I have been really happy with it. I’d love to hear of one better, though!
Cheers.
June 9th, 2006 at 7:02 am
that’s funny! I COMPLETELY agree. I used to like and now that I’ve seen it so much I have a little less hatred for it than I do for Comic Sans.
July 25th, 2006 at 9:13 pm
You know, it’s funny that I was just complaining to my friends about the how sickening it was to see papyrus in print ads and around town TOO much. It seems that it’s become the “right” font for everyone such as the comic sans still seems to be.
October 2nd, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Last week I received a family video, and they used the dreaded papyrus font in it. Whether we like it or not, I’m sure it will be around for quite some time.
By the way, I love the font you used in the logo you made for css Zen Garden. What font is that?
http://www.csszengarden.com/?cssfile=153/153.css
October 2nd, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Luke: The font is Voluta Script.
May 10th, 2007 at 10:39 am
To hell with Suitcase. Try this.
http://www.linotype.com/fontexplorerX
December 28th, 2007 at 8:38 am
Maybe it’s just me, but every time I think hear the Papyrus font mentioned I think of the Crocodile Hunter logo.
Papyrus follows you everywhere. Most recently I noticed it used to state the business hours on the front door of my Optometrist’s office. You just can’t get away from it.
January 7th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I agree about the Papyrus, I started using it in my logo 4 years ago. It is now so overused that I want to change it. And yes, I am an alternative health practitioner. Any suggestions for a replacement? I am liking ITC Intro. I am having a new sign done and not sure it it will be bold enough.
November 14th, 2008 at 10:28 am
oh yes, papyrus and comic sans … same boat!
i like the gotham font the obama campaign uses btw: http://www.typography.com/fonts/font_overview.php?productLineID=100008. :)
November 14th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Sarah – the Obama website is fantastic!!! I find it uber-inspiring.