Typophile

Spec-ing a typeface without the typeface.

James Deux

I'm helping a client create a new identity; a simple wordmark/logotype. I'm interested in purchasing a new font (most likely a didone) but it is obviously not on my bill if I do.

So I've run into a problem. I know that very often designers recommend fonts and I've often wondered how do they sell it to the clients or themselves if they can't see it in front of them. I realize some of you may not need to see it to know if it will work, but I am extremely visual—I need to see it in front of me.

I know that there's a testdrive on most typographer's websites, but I'm running into issues where I want to do different typefaces or different weights. Any suggestions?

(I know that I can screenshot, but that's incredibly inefficient.)

kentlew

> I’ve often wondered how do they sell it to the clients or themselves if they can’t see it in front of them.

In the old days, we'd do it by developing tight sketches.

James Deux

Haha well I could always pull out a pad of tracing paper. That wouldn't be the worst thing!

James Montalbano

(I know that I can screenshot, but that’s incredibly inefficient.)

Perhaps, it depends on the screen shot. But no matter what it looks like it is better than nothing.

A tight sketch can be a beautiful thing!

blank

If this is a big client and might result in a big sale you might be able to work something out with the designer.

kentlew

> A tight sketch can be a beautiful thing!

And sometimes the final setting was a disappointment in comparison!

Hrant H Papazian

Yes, sort of how people look more attractive from a distance.

hhp

James Montalbano

Our new type tester lets you set multiple fonts in multiple sizes in the same text field.

http://www.terminaldesign.com/Fonts/#/TypeTester

Give it a try!

You'll still need to save the results with a screen shot though.

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