As a designer, you know the importance of good typography. The right font can make all the difference in a design, and choosing the right typeface is crucial.
But have you ever considered creating and selling your own typefaces? Not only can it be a lucrative business venture, but it can also be a creative and rewarding experience. Here’s how you can get started.
Research and Plan
Before you start designing your typeface, it’s important to do some research and planning. First, determine the market for your typeface. Who will be the primary users?
What kind of design projects will it be used for? Knowing your audience and the types of projects your typeface will be used for will help guide your design process and inform your marketing efforts.
Next, identify potential buyers and competitors. Look at other typefaces in your market and see what makes them successful. How does your typeface differ from others on the market?
What makes it unique? This will help you position your typeface and set pricing and licensing terms.
Create the Typeface
Now it’s time to start designing your typeface. This can be a lengthy process, but it can also be very rewarding. There are several tools you can use to create your typeface, such as Glyphs, FontLab, or Illustrator.
Each has its own set of features and capabilities, so choose the one that works best for you.
When designing your typeface, keep in mind the intended use and audience. A typeface for a children’s book will have different requirements than one for a corporate brochure.
Make sure the letters are clear and easy to read, and consider creating different weights (such as light, regular, and bold) for added versatility.
Some tips for creating a unique and functional typeface:
- Experiment with different letterforms and contrasts
- Pay attention to spacing and kerning
- Test your typeface in different sizes and contexts
- Seek feedback from other designers
Promote Your Typeface
Once your typeface is complete, it’s time to start promoting it. A great way to showcase your work is to create a website or online portfolio. Include images of your typeface in use, along with information on pricing and licensing.
You can also use social media and online design communities to spread the word and connect with potential buyers.
Attending design conferences and events is another great way to promote your typeface and make connections in the industry.
These events can be a great opportunity to network with other designers and showcase your work.
Best Typefaces selling marketplace
When it comes to selling typefaces, there are several online marketplaces that can help you reach a wide audience of potential buyers. Here are five of the best options, along with their pros and cons.
Creative Market
Creative Market is a popular platform for selling all types of design assets, including typefaces. With a large community of designers and a easy-to-use interface, it’s a great place to sell your typefaces.
Pros:
- Large, established community of buyers
- Easy to use and navigate
- Offers options for licensing and selling exclusive rights
Cons:
- Fees for selling on the platform (6.5% + 30 cents per transaction)
- Competition with other typefaces for visibility
MyFonts
MyFonts is one of the largest typeface marketplaces on the internet. With a wide selection of fonts from major foundries and independent designers, it’s a go-to destination for many design professionals.
Pros:
- Wide selection of fonts
- Trusted by many design professionals
- Offers options for licensing and selling exclusive rights
Cons:
- Fees for selling on the platform (50% commission on sales)
- Competition with other typefaces for visibility
Fontspring
Fontspring is another popular marketplace for buying and selling fonts. They offer a range of tools and services for designers, including a font manager and license manager.
Pros:
- Wide range of tools and services for designers
- Offers options for licensing and selling exclusive rights
Cons:
- Fees for selling on the platform (20% commission on sales)
- Competition with other typefaces for visibility
Fonts.com
Fonts.com is a well-known typeface marketplace with a large selection of fonts from major foundries and independent designers. They offer a range of licensing options and tools for designers.
Pros:
- Large selection of fonts
- Trusted by many design professionals
- Wide range of licensing options and tools for designers
Cons:
- Fees for selling on the platform (20% commission on sales)
- Competition with other typefaces for visibility
The Hungry JPEG
The Hungry JPEG is a marketplace for design assets, including typefaces. They offer a range of tools and resources for designers, as well as a forum for connecting with other creatives.
Pros:
- Range of tools and resources for designers
- Forum for connecting with other creatives
- Low fees for selling on the platform (5% commission on sales)
Cons:
- Smaller community compared to other marketplaces
- Competition with other typefaces for visibility
Conclusion
Selling your own typefaces can be a rewarding and lucrative business venture. By doing your research, creating a unique and functional typeface, and promoting it effectively, you can turn your passion for typography into a successful career.
So why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just create the next big thing in typography.
