Four Techniques for Combining Fonts from H&FJ

The email newsletter from the Hoefler & Frere-Jones type foundry is a real gem: An eye-pleaser that also delivers useful information while soft-selling H&FJ’s wares. For instance, the most recent missive includes four techniques for combining fonts, “all built around H&FJ’s Highly Scientific First Principle of Combining Fonts: keep one thing consistent, and let one thing vary.”
I’ve included the basic principles and four examples below, but you really owe it to yourself to read the newsletter online for more advice and samples. And then subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!
1. Use typefaces with complementary moods to evoke an upbeat, energetic air.

2. Mix typefaces from the same historical period whose families have different features.

3. Mix typefaces with a similar line quality if they offer different textures.

4. Mix typefaces with similar proportions and give each a different role.