Bird sans are an endearing font family known for their fun, rounded shapes. While they may look like simple characters, bird sans actually have a variety of interesting abilities and uses. In this article, we’ll explore what makes bird sans special and some of the cool things they can do.
The Origins of Bird Sans
Bird sans fonts first emerged in the 1990s as a response to the popularity of humanist sans serif fonts like Gill Sans. Humanist sans serifs have organic letterforms inspired by calligraphy, whereas bird sans have a more geometric and simplified appearance. The whimsical name “bird sans” likely comes from the font family’s rounded shapes and avian-esque style.
Some of the first bird sans typefaces were ITC Mendoza in 1996, Nick’s Fonts Wiggle in 1997, and Letterror Bird Fonts in 2000. Other early bird sans fonts include Aller, Buddy, Janda Stylish, and Mina. Over the years, many more bird sans fonts have been designed to meet demand for the playful, friendly style.
Key Features of Bird Sans
Bird sans stand out from other sans serif fonts thanks to their distinctive design features:
- Rounded letterforms – Letters have open, circular shapes instead of rigid lines and corners.
- Single-story ‘a’ and ‘g’ – The letters ‘a’ and ‘g’ do not have an upper loop.
- Whimsical vibe – The fonts have a fun, bubbly personality.
- Simplicity – Letters are uncomplicated and elementary in form.
- Monolinear – Strokes have consistent thickness.
- Minimal variation – There is little differentiation between thick and thin strokes.
These features give bird sans a very distinct and recognizable look. The circular letter shapes and casual, playful vibe make them instantly readable and approachable.
Common Uses for Bird Sans Fonts
Thanks to their friendly appearance and versatility, bird sans fonts are used in a wide variety of applications:
- Logos – Bird sans are popular font choices for logo designs, such as Twitter, Discord, and GoPro.
- Display typography – Headlines, titles, posters, and other large text often utilize bird sans for visual interest.
- Packaging – From food to toys to beauty products, bird sans add a touch of fun to packaging.
- Digital – Websites, mobile apps, and other digital media make frequent use of bird sans for interface text.
- Books – Children’s books, comics, and other publications sometimes use bird sans fonts.
- Quotes – Inspirational and motivational quote graphics lean on bird sans for their upbeat mood.
- Advertisements – Major brands often use bird sans fonts to give their ads a casual, friendly aesthetic.
Bird sans fonts work exceptionally well when you want to create a lively, casual tone. Their curvy letterforms lend your text an approachable, upbeat attitude.
Examples of Popular Bird Sans Fonts
Many bird sans fonts have been created over the years. Here are some of the most popular and commonly used options:
Huggable
Designed by Jason Walcott, Huggable features extremely rounded, cuddly letterforms. Its smooth curves and easygoing vibe make it perfect for logos, quotes, and display text.
Anurati
Created by Astigmatic, Anurati has a distinct tall, narrow look. The thin, elongated shapes work especially well for headlines and posters wanting to grab attention.
Bpreplay
From Letterror, Bpreplay’s letters are inflated and blob-like. This ultra-rounded font works well when you want your text to feel extra bubbly and balloon-like.
Mightype
A bold, blocky bird sans serif, Mightype adds impact while maintaining an approachable feel. It works nicely for logos, packaging, and headlines.
Bubbleboddy Neue
Designed by Chris Simpson for Horizon Type, Bubbleboddy Neue features very wide, circular counters inside each letter, giving it an endearing lollipop or bubble-like style.
How to Use Bird Sans Fonts
When using bird sans fonts in your designs, keep these tips in mind:
- Use them sparingly – Bird sans are very distinctive, so they work best when combined with other neutral sans serifs.
- Pair with simple backgrounds – Busy backgrounds compete with the letterforms. Stick to solid colors or subtle textures.
- Limit variety – Using too many bird sans families together can feel overwhelming. Stick to one or two at most.
- Mind the spacing – Bird sans need a bit more space between letters and lines since the shapes are so round. Set your tracking and leading accordingly.
- Use for display – Body text is better set in a more restrained sans serif. Reserve bird sans for headlines, titles, and short text.
With the right balance, bird sans can add a wonderful warmth and vibrance to your designs. Let the fonts’ friendly nature shine by giving them room to breathe.
Conclusion
Bird sans offer a playful, feel-good font option thanks to their distinctive rounded letterforms. Originating in the 1990s, they provide a more casual and approachable alternative to traditional sans serifs. With their upbeat personality and versatility, bird sans are popular choices for logos, display typography, packaging, and digital interfaces. Some iconic examples include Anurati, Huggable, Bpreplay, Mightype, and Bubbleboddy Neue. When using bird sans, be mindful of overcrowding and let the letters’ natural spacing and sizes guide your design decisions. With the right balance, bird sans can inject warmth, energy, and vibrance into any project.