Comments on: Art Marketing Action + Podcast: Create a Style Sheet for Your Website and Blog

By: Debra Russell

Debra Russell — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:12:49 +0000

One of the advantages of a CSS or WordPress site is that you only have to decide these things once, and then the platform applies them across your website.

Oh and on the font choice – In print, generally we see a Serif font for headlines and san serif for content.

By: Tina Mammoser

Tina Mammoser — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:23:21 +0000

ooh, now I need to go look at David’s site.

As for print, not saying sans serif is recommended there but it is increasingly becoming the default choice in print as well. Especially Arial.

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:45:38 +0000

Tina: Thanks for your design insights! I have heard that serif is better for paper and sans serif for the computer. Are you saying sans serif for both? I agree that we are saved by CSS style sheets, but many people can change those elements in their blog posts by clicking on the WYSIWIG buttons for font color and size. Just saying Restraint should be practiced.

Maite: Amen! And I won’t even read a blog that has a black background with lighter writing. Ouch.

David: You do a great job with everything. Other artists should truly take a closer look at your material. You have convinced me that an artist CAN have a classy logo!

By: David Castle

David Castle — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:25:51 +0000

Excellent topic and post, Alyson! I’ve taken your approach a bit further and have created what I call global standards for details such as fonts, colors and other design elements. I try my best to use these consistently across ALL of my marketing pieces… from my website and blog to letterhead, envelopes and various marketing brochures.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:12:53 +0000

This is such a great reminder! Thanks so much for this, I’ll be linking.

By: Maite Agahnia

Maite Agahnia — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:58:06 +0000

So important. I have (what I like to think of) as a trained eye, being in the Graphic Design business for many years, and I can tell you that If a blog or website is not “zen” to look at I can’t even focus long enough to read it and I get the uge to close the window or click away, and I know I am not alone.

By: Tina Mammoser

Tina Mammoser — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:30:05 +0000

Thanks for that Alyson, I hope it helps a lot of people. Fortunately CSS stylesheets are making text management much easier! Many of the up-to-date web design programmes will have a built in CSS stylesheets function so anyone can use them. From an old school graphic designer school I’d recommend artists try and keep variations on fonts simple – just bold or a size or two up for headings, maybe subheading in a different colour rather than size/bold change (like a slightly lighter or darker colour than main text). Too many italics can get visually messy, though useful if used sparingly. (like for artwork titles, for example)

I agree about sans-serif and some interesting typography geek info: serif fonts were originally made (in metal type of course!) with the twiddly bits (the serifs) to help the eye move from one letter to the next for reading. Just like handwriting. However, studies have now been done and show that with increased computer use our vision has actually adapted and the majority of people now find san-serif fonts easier to read. Well, I find it interesting

By: Dave Doolin

Dave Doolin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:11:47 +0000

Smart thinking. I just changed my font over to Verdana. Something I’ve been meaning to do for a while… not that it was hard, just taking the time to make it happen takes up space in my head. Feels good to have it done!

By: Fabrizio Van Marciano

Fabrizio Van Marciano — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:10:36 +0000

Awesome bit of tutorial, many thanks for sharing.