Post by wordy on Mar 4, 2010 7:17:39 GMT 10
Tips on Text
by ubiquitous
They say a picture says a thousand words. But sometimes, having that little bit of text can help clarify meaning, show creativity, or just simply look pretty. Text is one of things that usually get considered apart from the base image, and that's one of the reasons it can be so hard to get right. Below are a few tips on using text in fanart.
General:
Make sure the colours work with the rest of the image. A good way to do this is to take a colour from the base image itself, or to use a neutral colour such as black, white, greys or browns.
Keep it simple. There isn't much need for more than two different types of fonts, or a couple of sizes or colours in any artwork. Having too many different types/sizes/colours of text in the one image makes it look messy, confusing and often the focal point of the text is lost. A greater contrast is achieved by picking fonts that are more different, or by using a neutral colour with a bright one to highlight a few key words. Using a cursive/script font as a contrast against a serif font is also a good way to highlight different parts of text.
When using script fonts, make sure that the font is large enough to be readable. Some fonts look pretty, but it can be hard to make out what's trying to be written when the size is small.
If you're using tiny text, make sure it's tiny. As a general rule, you shouldn't be able to make out any of the letters or really differentiate between them.
Icons:
Unless the icon is a text icon, keeping the font smaller is usually better. Make sure the font is readable though, there's nothing worse than having to go squinty-eyed trying to read the text on an icon.
Keep the text to a few words. Otherwise, there's the risk of overpowering or crowding the image with text. Of course, this doesn't apply for text icons.
Use blending. More often than not, there'll be a mix of colours or textures behind the text. Using blending options such as shadows, glows, etc., in a subtle manner will help the font be a bit more visible without having to be overpowering. Or, if the text is a bit stark, dim the opacity of the text or change the layer style so that it blends in better of its own.
Wallpapers/larger works:
Keep the text proportionate. This is where slightly longer passages or quotes work wonderfully. That's not to say that one or two words can't be used as the sole text. There are no hard and fast rules in this regard, but try to keep the size of the text as a whole proportionate to the rest of the image.
If you are using longer passages or quotes, do highlight a couple of words. This can be done by changing the colour, font and/or size. Just make sure there is a visible contrast, and that the emphasised text isn't the only thing that gets the viewer's attention.
Also, play with placement. Text above a line can be placed more to the right, or set in a checkered pattern alternating with images. When done right, putting a little creativity in text placement can add that little extra interest to a piece.
Use blank space wisely. There's no need to fill up the whole canvas with something, but by the same token there should be interest across the greater part of the image, whether it be text or art.