Pairing 2: Contrast
Contrast between fonts often lends a winning combination, but in what ways can fonts contrast? Here are just some qualities to look for:
Style: Take a look at any font resource site and you’ll see them categorized as Blackletter, Monospace, Script, Slab Serif etc. Fonts of different styles will often contrast.
Size: Big font, little font. Say no more.
Weight: Varying the weight of fonts is a common way to establish visual hierarchy. Hierarchy achieved by contrast.
Form: Consider the proportions of a typeface. The relative length of the descenders, the curvature of the shoulders, the direction of the movement.
Color: Not something we’re going to go into here, but color can easily determine whether two fonts work well together.