Typophile

Magazine body copy, looking for a quality serif

sarahcazee

Hello,
I'm currently designing a photography magazine geared towards women. I'm trying to finalize the typeface I'll use for the body copy and I'm looking for some advice before I commit to anything. Right now I have the copy set in Cochin 8.5pt. I'm set on using a serif and I love the look of this, but I'm a little concerned with the readability. I'm not averse to spending some money on a quality font that can be used throughout the magazine, I like the look of Mercury and even Sentinel (H&FJ), but wanted to get some opinions before I purchase anything.

As always, thanks for the help!
Sarah

Reed Reibstein

The slight squareness of the new Ibis Text might complement the photographic subject well. It's also surprisingly comfortable with being elegant or even feminine, especially in the italics.

rasmus_braun

Cochin has huge capital letters and a small x-height, making it less than optimal for body copy.

sarahcazee

That's what I was thinking about Cochin. I do like Ibis Text but I don't think it's right for this project.

The copy looks good in Caslon, so readable, but I think I just want something a little different. What do you think about Sentinel? Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to get it, I've been admiring it for awhile...

rasmus_braun

Sentinel didn't work for me, caps were too wide and distracting. In fact, the whole design is rather wide. I couldn't fit enough characters per line. Make sure you get HFJ to send you a PDF sample if you're serious since you have to buy the whole family.

scriv

Starbucks uses Sentinel on much of its collateral - so if you want to see it in use go for a java. They couple it with some nice sans serifs. Caecilia is a nice slab serif similar. Coupled with newjunebook?

William Berkson

>looks good in Caslon, so readable, but I think I just want something a little different.

Hmmm.

sarahcazee

Williams Caslon... satisfying my urge to get more type and the perfect solution. Adding to cart.

And Thanks for the tip on Sentinel, I'll continue to admire it from afar.

sarahcazee

Williams Caslon... satisfying my urge to get more type and the perfect solution. Adding to cart.

And Thanks for the tip on Sentinel, I'll continue to admire it from afar.

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