Using Custom Fonts for Special Projects

One of the problems with using the fonts on our computers is that most are not very exciting from a creative point of view. If you are working on special project such as a photo book, why not research and use a custom font to add atmosphere or authenticity to the project? There are several websites around (like www.dafont.com) that provide custom fonts for free (for personal projects) . Log in and search for a font that matches the look and style of your book, video, publication or poster project. Take care not to choose anything too outrageous simply because, when used for things like body copy or captions, custom fonts might not be legible (as I have found out on a few occasions!). It’s also worth noting that if you use a non-standard font (many of the coolest-looking fonts are non-standard) you might find your computer substituting it for something a bit blander once the project is ready for print. If this is the case what I do is embed the font into the page – this might be into an image or just a blanks white canvas. Once flattened into a JPEG (the default file format for more photo book projects) it becomes part of the image as opposed to a separate text layer, and cannot be substituted.
Watch my Photoshop Custom Fonts video for more information.

– BPSOP Instructor Robin Nichols

Robin Teaches:

The Complete Guide to Adobe Photoshop Elements

DSLR Video Magic: An Introduction to shooting, editing & producing your own videos

“I just wanted to thank you for another wonderful class. I have to confess that each week when I read the new assignment, my first reaction was mild panic and a deep certainty that I would not be able to produce anything worthwhile that fit within the parameters you had set. But before I knew it, the ideas started to flow, and I quickly became obsessed (no, that isn’t too strong a word!) with exploring the possibilities. I can honestly say that the photos I produced in response to your assignments are among my favorites. Thanks for bringing out a creative side I didn’t know I had!”

Barbara Geiger
Understanding Color

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Bill
After the click

” I want to thank you for this class and for your patience and availability to answer all of my questions. I have learned very much through this class. I have used LR in the past, but mostly for editing images. I now have a better grasp in the organization of my images, an even better understanding of editing images, and an understanding of the value of presets. I still have a lot to learn, but this has put me on the road to be able to improve my photography. Again, thank you! ”

Dale Yates
Lightroom Quickstart

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