Scripts: A Type Of Passion

Most typefaces, however beautiful or well-drawn, add merely the subtlest nuance to the words they compose. Scripts, on the other hand, bring something dramatic to typeset copy. Scripts are emotional, lyrical, even passionate communicators. Words that are set in script faces make an impact far greater than their literal meaning could convey.

Scripts can be elegant and formal or spontaneous and funky. They can appear to be drawn by quill pen, flat-tipped brush, crayon, or felt-tipped marker. Scripts can be the stodgiest of typefaces or the most cavalier.

At the moment, scripts are hot. Designers choose scripts for a number of reasons:

• Contrast. Script typefaces stand out from the crowd.
• Variety. There are many new designs to choose from, with at least one available to fit the intent and mood of almost any design.
• Impact. There’s an immediacy to most script designs that says, “This is important. Look at this.”

Using Script Typefaces
The most important guideline for using script typefaces is: less is more. Although scripts are “hot” designer choices and make a strong graphic impression, it’s easy to overuse them. Because they are so distinctive, and because they tend to evoke non-business kinds of feelings, scripts are also typically out of place in an office environment. Using script typefaces in a business document is a little like wearing an ascot to work–it looks nice, but inappropriate.

If you want to use a script typeface, here are a few guidelines:

Keep it legible. Any script will be harder to read than a serif or sans serif typeface. The reader’s eye is not as used to script character shapes as it is to those in more traditional typeface designs. This slows down the reading process, and can reduce comprehension and information retention.

Also, blocks of script copy are not inviting to the eye. Chunks of text set in script create a busy visual texture that is subtly off-putting to readers. If you do set text blocks in script type, don’t set the copy justified (with margins flush on the left and right) because it will ruin the natural flow of the letters. Add a little extra space between lines of copy to help the reading process.

Never set scripts in all caps. Script capitals are meant to be used next to lowercase letters, period. Scripts set in all caps are unattractive and are difficult, if not impossible, to read. The rule is simple: don’t set scripts in all caps.

Think big. Scripts should also be set large. Their x-heights (the height of the lowercase letters in proportion to the capitals) are usually small; this means that most scripts are difficult to read below 14 or 18 point.

One script at a time. Never mix two script typefaces in the same document. They will invariably clash and present a cluttered page to the reader.

Typecasting Script Type
Because there are so many diverse designs, it is virtually impossible to put script typefaces into neat pigeonholes. Most, however, fit into one of four basic design categories.

Calligraphic Scripts As the name implies, calligraphic scripts are based on calligraphic writing, and often resemble lettering drawn with a flat-tipped writing instrument. Good examples of this style are Alexa, Ophelia Italic, and Saltino. These typefaces create a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Casual Scripts Casual Scripts look informal, as though quickly drawn with a brush or pen. Typical examples of this style of script are Brush Script, ITC Clover and Freestyle Script. This style of script is too casual for most business documents.

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Best of The Bunch One or two scripts can be a valuable addition to your typographic palette. Pick those that will give you the maximum amount of use in the types of documents you create most often. Below are examples of a half-dozen varied script designs. Enjoy! Mistral ITC Redonda Swank Texas Hero Young Baroque

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