Typography: Choose a computer font that you like. With an example, explain it carefully and analyze its strengths.

Arial Narrow

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Arial Narrow is a font that appeals to me. My handwriting is similar to this. I write narrow and long, or tall, letters. Arial Narrow is a sans serif font that has very minimal tracking, or spacing between the letters. The font, as the name indicates, seems narrow due to the minimal kerning. This font, unlike many sans serifs, is more professional than others. It provides high readability but does not give off a “boring” look. Arial Narrow does not put strain on the eyes. It does not have “swirly” or “curly” letters that many serifs have. This font is concise.

When the point sizes of this font are decreased, the readability decreases. This is the one main weakness. This font is legible and at bigger point sizes which is why it is used for captions or headings on websites. Many other sans serifs are used for these as well as for titles of movies or titles on books. Many street signs and warning signs use sans serif fonts, like Arial Narrow, so the viewer does not get distracted with the serif’s (Lester).

Lester, Paul Martin. Visual Communication: Images with Messages. Belmont: Thompson Wadsworth, 2005. 144.