Design Archives - CLEVERcreating

How to Choose the Right Font for a Website?

November 30, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Why can you read these lines? It is because you recognise the combination of the letters in the words used. The fact that you are able to read these letters and words at all is because a professional typographer designed them.

He or she not only designed the letters but also decided how much space is required between the letters and the words. Horizontally between each letter and word, but also vertically, between the lines.

Not being aware of typographical rules makes it very difficult to use the right font for a website.

How to Use Typography in Web Design? 7 Proven Do’s and Don’ts

November 24, 2023November 23, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

The guidelines for typography in web design are not that different from the guidelines for text in any use. Whether on a screen or on paper, on a truck or on the facade of an office, always ask yourself: “Can people read this in an easy and clear way?”

Almost half of all websites worldwide are made with WordPress, including this website. While WordPress simplifies a lot of typographic decisions, it is still important to have a basic understanding of how typography works.

The following tips apply to both using HTML and CSS, as well as WordPress or any other CMS (Content Management System) website.

Why Do Typeface Designers Use Optical Illusions?

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Typeface designers and graphic designers know that if they work mathematically and exact, everybody will think they are bad designers. They have to use tricks to make sure that designs are well-balanced.

In What are the Benefits of Negative Space for Designers and Artists? I explained the trick of negative space. In this article, I will explain how designers use optical illusions.

Some techniques require adjustments that might not be optical illusions in the usual sense but are nonetheless necessary. I will give an example of that as well.

What is the Purpose of a Ligature in Typography?

September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Ligature has a lot of meanings. The word is used in music, medicine, and language. This article is about the meaning of ligature in typography.

If computers had been invented before the printing technique, I wonder if there would have existed ligatures the way they do now. I am so glad that my education in my youth included hand-setting loose lead letters.

This literally gave me a feeling of the typographic origin of corpses, leading and kerning, as well as ligatures.

What are the Benefits of Negative Space for Designers and Artists?

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Negative space can indicate a toxic environment in relationships but that’s clearly not what I am talking about here, since this is a website about art and design.

In order to draw well, we must be able to observe well. Fortunately, there are tools we can use to do this. Using negative space is one of those tools.

In art school, I learned in the lessons of still life drawing that the negative space is as important as the objects themselves. I got a lot of advantages from that lesson in both model drawing class and typography class.

Is the Meaning of Symbols Easily Recognizable to Everyone?

July 24, 2023July 24, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Often people assume that the meaning of symbols is easier to comprehend than written text. Most of the time, this assumption is wrong.

In the same way that any foreign language must be learned, the idiom of symbols must also be learned. Some symbols or characters are immediately obvious, others require a table with an explanation.

However, we pick up a lot of knowledge about symbols just by looking around in the town where we walk or using public transport. And when everybody knows the meaning of a certain symbol, it communicates a lot quicker than written language. Especially when many languages are used in one place, for example at an airport.

Why Are Monograms Used by Fashion Brands and Others?

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Nowadays it is fashionable for fashion brands to put their monogram on bags and clothes. Why are monograms used that way?

A monogram is a powerful sign, made of 2 or a few letters, that is compact and recognizable.

Monogram-like signs were used as early as ancient times. They could have a religious meaning or serve to identify the author or sender.

In the Middle Ages, royals and prelates used their monograms, consisting of letters of their first and last names. In the centuries that followed, artists signed their work with a monogram.

Do you Want your Own Favicon on your Website?

June 30, 2023June 30, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

A favicon is a small image identifying a website. Depending on your browser you see it in the tab at the top or in front of the web address.

Mine is an image of the 2 c’s of CleverCreating. Have a look at the top of this page!

This only works on a website you maintain yourself.

Not on for instance a blogger website or a WordPress.com-website.

11 Steps to Start a Website for Personal or Business Use

June 28, 2023June 23, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

When you start something new, all the required steps can be overwhelming, to say the least. And this is especially the case when you want to start a new website. I want to break down this complicated process for you in 11 steps.

I won’t promise that makes it easier, but it surely will give you a bigger sense of control, which does wonders for your peace of mind. A relaxed mind can be more creative and productive than a stressed one.

In this article, I describe 11 steps to start a website. I will add some information to each step. Either by describing it here or by providing the link to an extensive article I wrote about that specific issue.