You can find Part 1 of this article here.

• Using the wrong typeface

There is a plethora of typefaces available on the web but that doesn’t mean that any of them can work for any given design. Each typeface is designed with certain characteristics in mind and and we design each project the same way. So, it is our responsibility as designers to marry the right concept and designs with the right typefaces, otherwise, the marriage doesn’t work.

• Making it illegible

Beautiful typography is meant to be seen, read and admired. If the type is illegible and can barely even be seen, the design will fall flat. Using the wrong colors or justifying the type when it’s not needed are a couple of ways to make type illegible.

• Making it look uninspiring

Leaving words typed out in a typeface and hoping they would have character because the typeface has character is a big mistake. Sure, the font may have character but adding your design sensibilities to the design is also critical. Why would a client need a designer to design him/her a logo if he/she could just type the name of the company in a fancy typeface? Clients hire designers because they want them to add a special touch to the design, which most clients don’t have expertise in.

• Making it too big

A misconception: big type is better. Well, not always. If you’re designing a poster, the type that you put on there will most likely have to be big in order for it to be readable at a distance. But what about text type? In order to achieve hierarchy, it’s important to use scale with typography. Text type should be between 8-10 points and display type is 13 and bigger, depending on the size of the piece and of course, the concept.

• Being limited by what’s available

Many a times designers may feel restrained by what’s available in terms of typefaces. There’s an easy solution to that. If you feel like you can’t find a typeface that goes perfectly with your concept, create one! You can also modify typefaces to give them a more unique look. Doing this will add a more distinct quality to your work and it will stand out for being unique.

Check out this article to see which other skills you should have as a designer.

What do you guys think?