I have been experimenting with different fonts ever since I discovered Microsoft Word. As a 12-year-old, I would write different stories or plays in my journals and transfer these stories into a Word doc. so that my aunts and uncle could read the work that I produced. I would usually change font and color every paragraph or dialogue switch. This was the way I would have fun. In the treasure box that I have, I have tons of short stories that I have written that go from pink to blue to green ink with the font ranging from Times New Roman to Garamond to Courier New to Calligraphy. I loved writing in calligraphy, mainly because I saw it as a another way to write in cursive which I was so bad at doing.
Then, I learned that for school, I had to type in one font and in one color. Every paper had to be written in Times New Roman 12-point black font. I understood that these “rules” had to be followed because I was writing for teachers. However, at first I saw it as a way for the teachers to ruin my fun.
Throughout the video and article that we had to watch and read, I realize that I have been holding myself back with creativity in the realm of typography. Even in the work that I do outside of class, I restrict myself because I don’t necessarily know how to use typography as well as I should. Looking at the various ways that I can use typography without being over the top, makes me feel that it’s time to start experimenting again.
I totally understand what you mean about Times New Roman feeling like a sort of typographical prison sentence. I guess I understand it though: it’s an easy font to read on the printed page, looks professional, and it’s really easy to tell when the spacing is off (which I’m betting teachers use when students try to make their periods 14pt font to try and reach the page requirement for a paper). I hope getting back into typography leads to more joy when you’re writing!