It seems like “Algerian,” a typeface influenced by Victorian era woodcuts created in 1988 by Phillip Kelly at Letraset, is gaining major exposure these days. Not only I see it being used for flyers posted on the wall of a public building, or an ad for a jazz concert printed in the back pages of a newspaper, but as this sample shows, some web designers are giving it that bubbly effect, so popular nowadays. Personally, I don’t have anything against any specific font; what matters most to me is the message, and as the graphic shows, I don’t think the message communicates well. I can see the designer is going for an informal romantic appeal, but somehow this design seems heavy on the eyes as is overly saturated with thick outlines, which at first sight, makes it hard to read. In any case, I don’t think Algerian is suitable for the bubbly effect I mentioned earlier, as it creates too much conflict with its serifs.

Follow Up

It’s funny how sometimes my observations come back hunting me. I couldn’t help adjusting this post as it helps me to better illustrate my idea, notice how the liquor label below displays the typeface more effectively, not only it’s much easier to read but it also takes advantage of the distinctive qualities that makes Algerian so attractive. Once again, it’s always best to leave display typefaces alone, and thus, let them shine by their own accord.