Designing with Literally: A Whimsical Font for Editorial Projects
I was recently tasked with redesigning the header of a lifestyle blog, and as I scrolled through my font library, something caught my eye—Literally. At first glance, it felt like a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t just another display font; it had a distinct rhythm and whimsical charm that immediately made me think of how it could elevate the entire visual tone of the project.
Literally is a display font with personality. Its curves are gentle but deliberate, and its letterforms have a playful yet refined quality. It’s not overly ornate, nor does it feel too casual—it strikes a balance between elegance and approachability. This makes it ideal for editorial projects where the goal is to draw attention without overwhelming the reader.
A Lifestyle Blog Redesign
The blog in question focuses on wellness, travel, and creative living. The previous header used a standard sans serif font, which was clean but lacked character. I wanted something that would reflect the blog’s voice more authentically. That’s when I decided to test Literally for the main header.
Using Literally as the primary font for the blog title transformed the look instantly. The word “Wellness” stood out with a soft, inviting curve, while “Travel & Creativity” carried a sense of movement and energy. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a mood that aligned with the content inside. Readers responded positively, noting that the new header felt more personal and engaging.
Font Pairing and Readability
One of the key considerations when using a display font like Literally is ensuring readability. For body text, I paired it with a clean serif font—something like Merriweather or Georgia—to maintain a strong visual hierarchy. This combination allowed Literally to shine in headlines and section titles while keeping the rest of the content easy to read.
For smaller elements like captions and navigation links, I used a modern sans serif font such as Open Sans. This helped keep the overall design consistent and accessible across different screen sizes, from mobile devices to desktops.
When exporting the blog into a printable guide or PDF format, I checked that Literally rendered well in both digital and print environments. It maintained its clarity and charm even at smaller sizes, which was reassuring for long-form content and downloadable materials.
Other Uses for Literally
Beyond blog headers, Literally has found its way into other editorial elements. In a recent recipe ebook I worked on, I used it for chapter openers and pull quotes. The whimsical nature of the font added a touch of fun to the otherwise practical content, making the reading experience more enjoyable.
For a wedding guide, Literally became the go-to font for section headings and decorative accents. It gave the publication a warm, inviting feel that matched the theme of love and celebration. Even in a coaching workbook, it worked beautifully for motivational quotes and chapter titles, reinforcing the idea of positivity and growth.
In digital magazines and newsletters, Literally helps create a visual anchor. When used sparingly, it can be a powerful tool for emphasizing key messages without distracting from the content itself. It’s also an excellent choice for brand identity work, especially for publications or businesses looking to establish a unique and memorable visual presence.
Considerations Before Using Literally
Before implementing Literally in any project, it’s important to check the font’s available styles, alternates, ligatures, and weights. These features can enhance the design further, allowing for more nuanced typography choices. Additionally, verifying multilingual support ensures that the font works well across different languages if needed.
Commercial use requires proper licensing, especially when embedding the font in ebooks, templates, printables, or digital downloads. Always confirm the terms of use before incorporating it into client projects or public-facing content.
Finally, testing the font in various formats—web, PDF, and print—is essential. While Literally is visually appealing, its performance across different mediums should be considered to ensure consistency and readability throughout the final product.
Overall, Literally has become a trusted companion in my editorial toolkit. Whether it’s for a blog header, an ebook cover, or a newsletter graphic, it brings a unique charm that enhances the reading experience. It’s not just a font—it’s a thoughtful choice that speaks volumes about the care and creativity behind every design decision.
