Font Tattoos: Words with Living Meaning
Words are common in our everyday lives, we read, write and speak them often. Turning them into tattoos through fonts adds much more meaning. When we hear fonts, we normally think of a written paper or slideshows. Although fonts are another part of art and design. Where a properly chosen font add so much more to words through a visual style. Font tattoos are that exact blend, combining the art of typography and personal meaning into a tattoo design.
A Quick Intro to Fonts & Typography
Fonts started out long before the age of computers and even the printing press. They started from our ancient history through typography in ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics, while the Romans used capital letters which would become the basis of most modern letter forms we see today, especially serif fonts. Although modern typography can trace its roots back to Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press back in the 15th century, with movable type system introducing blackletter fronts, which we can see in Gothic-style tattoos nowadays. From this point, designers started creating new fonts both from aesthetics and readability. Well known serif fonts like Garamond and Baskerville originated in the 16th to 18th centuries. Sans-serif fonts came about in the 19th century, taking away the extra serif strokes to create simpler, modern-looking fonts. Computers added to this boom of font creation, now you’re able to find a wide variety of fonts ranging from the minimalist lettering, to extravagant handwritten script. As time goes on, we’re bound to see more and more fonts pop up with various styles. Making the possibilities for font tattoos limitless.
What Are Font Tattoos?
Font tattoos are tattoos that use text as their imagery, which is characterized by the style of lettering used. Font tattoos can be called by different names, script tattoos, lettering tattoos. Although all of them feature a font, to dictate the style of the lettering used. While these tattoos can seem simple and straightforward to design and make. In reality, there’s a lot of thought that can go into the words chosen, and the font style. Readability is especially important, considering if fonts have more complicated designs and elements. Font tattoos can include the following:
Quotes or phrases.
Names or initials.
Single words, or punctuation marks.
Dates, Roman numerals, or coordinates
Why Font Tattoos Are So Popular
1. Personal expression
Tattoos are already a strong way to express yourself. Font tattoos let you do that in a literal sense. Your choice of words and fonts can show a deeper side to yourself, in a direct way for people to read.
2. Variety of choice
Today’s variety of fonts gives a large amount of choice. There’s thousands of fonts to choose from, each can change the tone and aesthetic of the words. A typewriter font can give a nostalgic tone. Handwritten font can give a personal touch. Gothic font can give a darker tone to the words.
3. Easy placement and sizing
Font tattoos can be easily adjusted to fit anywhere on your body. The most important factor is that the text is readable. Font sizing, kerning and alignment can be adjusted to fit into your desired placement.
4. Always in style
No matter the time period, font tattoos will always be in style. The variety of fonts, and personal nature of font tattoos will always make them relevant.
How to choose the right font for your tattoo
There a few different things to keep in mind when choosing a font for your tattoo:
Readability first
There’s no point of making a font tattoo if its not readable. Be sure to choose a font that readable at the size you want. Especially if the placement is on a curved part of your body like your wrist or ribs.
Visuals match the meaning
The design of the font can dictate the mood and tone of the word or phrase. So be sure to choose font that can convey what you want visually. A strong meaning should use a bold font, whilst something sentimental can use a handwritten or cursive font.
Size & Placement
The size of your tattoo doesn’t just dictate readability, but also how it will hold up over time. Thin lines may fade quicker when tattooed smaller. Whilst bold fonts can last longer, they can also feel cramped when used in some placements.
Custom Lettering
Some artists offer custom fonts or hand-drawn fonts for tattoos. Their designs and styles are unique, allowing your tattoo to be unique.
Popular Font Tattoo Styles
Old English / Gothic – For dramatic and bold tone to your letting.
Typewriter fonts – A vintage way of doing minimalism.
Modern sans-serif – A modern look that is clean and simple.
Brush script / Handwritten – For a artistic, personalized look.
Calligraphy or Cursive – Romantic, flowing, and elegant aesthetic.
Block letters / Stencil fonts – Bold and military-inspired.
Conclusion
Font tattoos can seem basic, but they carry both a meaning and tone that is unique to you. With a large variety in visual style and meanings. There’s plenty of ways to express yourself. So look around for fonts, choose what words or phrase best expresses yourself, and find an artist to help make that idea real.
We here at Golden Hours are happy to help you with that process. We understand what goes into a great font tattoo. Contact us for a consultation or to book your next tattoo!
