100 Days of Posters / Day 013 of 100

Day 13: Serif Meets Sans

A typographic pairing with a clear relationship.

Chapter
02 Typography
Level
Beginner
Time
45–60 minutes
Canvas
1080 × 1350 px

The principle

Type pairing works when two typefaces are different enough to contrast but share something underneath — similar proportions, x-height or historical roots. A good pairing feels like a conversation. A poor pairing feels like two people talking at once. Contrast in role (headline versus text) helps them coexist.

Objective. Pair a serif and a sans serif so that each has a clear role.

The brief

Design a poster for a poetry reading using one serif and one sans serif typeface.

Include the title of the reading, two poets’ names, a short line of verse, and the event details.

Constraints

  • Exactly one serif and one sans serif
  • Each typeface must have a defined role
  • Typography only
  • Maximum three colours

You're done when

  • Two typefaces with clearly separate roles
  • A cohesive overall tone
  • Readable verse and details

Stretch goal

Try three different serif partners for your sans and pick the best one. Explain your choice in one sentence.