Even the man who created comic sans has only used it once

Even the man who created Comic Sans has only used it once.

Comic Sans is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing fonts in the world. Loved by some for its casual and playful appearance, it has been the subject of intense ridicule by designers and typographers who consider it unprofessional and overused. Despite the criticism, Comic Sans has managed to become one of the most recognizable and widely used fonts today. However, even the man who created it, Vincent Connare, admits to only using it once.

Vincent Connare, a former Microsoft employee, designed Comic Sans in the early 1990s. It was originally intended to be used in a speech balloon in a software called Microsoft Bob, which featured a cartoon dog named Rover. Connare wanted to create a font that mimicked the handwritten style found in comic books, hence the name Comic Sans.

However, despite its intended purpose, Comic Sans quickly found its way into various other applications, from birthday party invitations to official school newsletters. Its informal and friendly appearance made it popular among those who wanted to add a touch of playfulness to their designs. But this popularity came at a cost, as the overuse and misuse of Comic Sans led to it being labeled as the embodiment of bad design practices.

Interestingly, Vincent Connare himself has only used Comic Sans once. In an interview with The Guardian, he revealed that he used it to write a fake memo during a typography conference as a joke. The memo read, “We are implementing it as our new company-wide standard.” Connare’s intention was to highlight the inappropriate use of Comic Sans in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of choosing appropriate fonts for specific contexts.

Despite its notoriety, Comic Sans has managed to maintain its relevance over the years. It has become a symbol of rebellion within the design community, with countless memes and parodies dedicated to mocking its perceived flaws. Its use is often associated with amateur graphic design and is generally discouraged in professional and formal settings. However, there are instances where Comic Sans can still be used effectively, such as in children’s books or informal contexts where its whimsical nature is appropriate.

In conclusion, the man who created Comic Sans has only used it once, and even he acknowledges its limited usability. While it continues to divide opinions, Comic Sans remains a font that has left an indelible mark on the design world, for better or worse.

Source: The Guardian