Aside Font Review: A Playful Handwritten Typeface for Creative Branding
I was working on a brand identity project for a boutique skincare line when I first stumbled upon Aside. It was one of those moments where you open a blank brand board, and suddenly the right font just appears. Aside, from Script Amp, felt like a natural fit for the project’s playful yet elegant tone.
A Handwritten Charm That Feels Authentic
Aside is an incredibly playful handwritten font, and that's exactly what makes it stand out. Unlike other script fonts that feel overly stylized or forced, Aside has a genuine, almost personal touch to it. The strokes are fluid, the letters have subtle variations in weight, and there’s a sense of movement that gives it life. It feels like someone picked up a pen and wrote with care—something that can be very valuable in branding that wants to convey authenticity.
The personality of Aside leans into whimsy without losing its elegance. It’s not too cursive or too casual; it strikes a balance that makes it versatile across different creative applications. I used it on a logo concept for the skincare brand, and it immediately brought warmth and approachability to the design.
Testing Aside in Real-World Branding Scenarios
I tested Aside on several branding elements to see how it would perform. On a packaging mockup, it looked fantastic on a product label. The font didn’t overpower the design but added character and visual interest. For a business card, it worked well as a name signature, giving the impression of a personal touch while still feeling professional.
On a website header, I paired Aside with a clean sans-serif font for body text. The contrast helped establish a clear visual hierarchy, making the headline stand out without making the rest of the content feel neglected. It also performed well in social media graphics—on an Instagram post, it gave the caption a friendly, inviting vibe that aligned perfectly with the brand’s voice.
However, I did notice that Aside isn’t ideal for long blocks of text. When used in small sizes or for extended paragraphs, readability can suffer. It works best as a display font or for short phrases, which is something to keep in mind when considering its use in web design or editorial layouts.
Font Pairing and Practical Considerations
When it comes to pairing Aside, I found that combining it with a serif or sans-serif font creates a balanced look. For example, using Aside for headlines and a modern sans-serif like Montserrat for body text gave the design a polished, yet creative feel. This combination is especially effective in brand identity systems where the goal is to maintain professionalism while adding a unique flair.
One thing to note is that Aside offers a variety of styles, including alternates and ligatures, which can enhance the visual appeal of your designs. These features allow for more expressive typography, which is great for logos, posters, or any project that needs a touch of individuality.
If you're planning to use Aside in client work, always check the commercial font licensing to ensure it’s appropriate for the intended use. Whether it’s for brand identity, packaging, merchandise, or digital products, proper licensing is crucial to avoid legal issues down the line.
Where to Use (and Avoid) Aside
Aside shines in situations that call for creativity and personality. It’s perfect for logos, packaging labels, social media posts, and creative studio identities. It adds a human element to otherwise sterile designs, which is particularly useful in branding for handmade shops, cafes, or artisanal brands.
However, it may not be the best choice for formal corporate use, long-form content, or anything requiring strict typographic consistency. If your brand requires a more structured or professional look, consider reserving Aside for accents or decorative elements rather than primary typefaces.
In summary, Aside is a premium font that brings a sense of playfulness and authenticity to any creative project. As a designer, I found it to be a reliable tool in my typography arsenal—especially when the goal is to create something memorable and emotionally engaging. Just remember to test it thoroughly and pair it wisely to make sure it complements your overall design vision.
