Why designers hate Comic Sans.
Graphic designers often dislike Comic Sans for several reasons, many of which are rooted in the font's design, history, and overuse:
1. Poor Design Aesthetics
Inconsistent Letterforms: The design of Comic Sans is often criticized for its lack of consistency in letter shapes and spacing, which can make it look amateurish compared to more polished typefaces.
Informal Appearance: Comic Sans was designed to mimic the hand-lettering style found in comic books. Its casual and playful look makes it inappropriate for formal or professional contexts, yet it is often misused in such settings.
2. Overuse and Misuse
Inappropriate Contexts: Despite its intended use for informal, child-friendly contexts, Comic Sans has been overused in serious and professional settings, such as on office memos, signage, and even gravestones. This misuse has led to a negative perception among designers.
Clichéd and Unoriginal: Comic Sans has become a cliché due to its overuse, leading to a sense that its use reflects a lack of creativity or design sophistication.
3. Reputation and Perception
Cultural Backlash: The widespread dislike of Comic Sans has become something of a meme within the design community. This cultural backlash reinforces its negative reputation, making it a font that many designers avoid to maintain their professional credibility.
Association with Amateur Work: Because Comic Sans is often used by non-designers who are unaware of design principles, it has become associated with amateurish or poorly thought-out work.
4. Alternatives Exist
Better Choices Available: There are many other fonts available that can convey the same casual, friendly tone as Comic Sans but with better design quality. Fonts like "Verdana" or "Tahoma" are often preferred for their readability and professional appearance.
In summary, Comic Sans is disliked by graphic designers because it is seen as poorly designed, overused in inappropriate contexts, and associated with unprofessionalism. While it may have its place in certain informal or child-oriented designs, its widespread misuse has made it a font that designers avoid.