There are very few fonts in existence that incite rage and make you appear unprofessional in any creative industry than Comic Sans. You hear of the hate quite regularly, but is the hate justified? What is it about Comic Sans that people hate so much?
Like all fonts, each one has a purpose. Originally Comic Sans was commissioned for use in Microsoft Bob, an early 90’s application for showing people how to use Windows applications. It’s specific use was for comic book style speech bubbles. It’s quite a fascinating and quick story behind one of the most notoriously known fonts in history.
There is nothing wrong with the font itself (probably debatable), most of the hate directed towards Comic Sans is actually in how it is used. Microsoft designer Vincent Connare had experience creating child targeted fonts at the time, so naturally Comic Sans was an extension of this.
Sure, Comic Sans might not be a pretty font in a sea of other more legible and credible fonts, but I think most of the hate is just hate for the sake of hating. If used for non-serious purposes like a children’s birthday party sign or childcare centre, I think Comic Sans definitely has its uses and purposes (most kids love Comic Sans).
Even if the font is used by some for, “Warning: keep out” signage or any purpose where the message is trying to convey something serious, there is no point in getting worked up about it because it just makes you look like an elitist typography hipster snob. It’s only a font, nobody is getting hurt by someone using or not using it.
It’s cool to hate on Comic Sans and I bet most people you know (including many designers) probably couldn’t give you a straight and proper answer in response to the question, “What is so wrong with using Comic Sans?”
