Who would have thought? (SSR)

While coming up with an article for this argumentative post, I had to do a lot of thinking and searching to come up with the right article and the right reasons to support the article. Today, I came across an article on NPR title "For A Resume, Type Font Matters." Before coming across this and reading into it, I never really would have put much thought into why font matters, not just on resumes. I do to think about the fonts I use, when I use them, and how I use them before coming up with reasons to argue for why font matters. This article from NPR mainly discusses fonts on a resume and says that the typeface, or font, one uses can say a lot about them. The author, Emma Bowman, even has a very shocking quote by a person with the name Bloomberg that say, "Using Times New Roman is the typeface equivalent of wearing sweatpants to an interview." This appalled me because, as students, we are taught that using Times New Roman is the only way to go. If we dare use something else on our papers and go against the MLA guidelines we get points taken off of our paper. Times New Roman is supposed to be professional and sophisticated, but according to Bloomberg that font is quite the opposite. Another man, Brian Hoff, who was quoted in the article says when doing a resume Helvitca is a good option because it is "professional, lighthearted, and honest." The article continues on discussing certain fonts, whether they are appropriate or not, and what the fonts are associated with.



                          

       Disney

                             
After a lot of thinking, I came up with a few reasons as to why the font one chooses to use is so important. One reason font is so important is that each font carries its own personality in a sense. Font, along with colors, images, and products, appeals to the visual image of something. As humans, we are drawn to pictures and bold colors. We like when something pops and pulls us in, and that is what a font does. The font is just as important as the colors and images that go into an advertisement or product. A font helps to identify what it is associated with. Think of the font used for the Disney logos. When one sees that font, they will most likely smile, become filled with warmth and enjoyment, and think Disney because nothing else has that font. The font is Disney and is Disney's logo. If Disney used a font such as Times New Roman, it would not be nearly as appealing. Times New Roman is seen very often because it is considered to be professional. The font is in books, newspapers, magazines, and so many other places that it is just there. People think nothing of the font when they pick something up because they are so used to seeing the same style over and over again. The Disney logo would be boring, bland, and overlooked if Times New Roman was used because each font invokes a different feeling. The font one chooses to use carries its own personalities and feelings, which can be proven with the font Disney uses and the typical, boring, overused font, Times New Roman.

Another reason font is so important and changes, just like the resume font is changing, is because the times are changing. Whether you think so or not, the times and the way our society lives effects everything, even the font we use. Think of the font as fashion because the article even compares the font Times New Roman to sweatpants. The clothes we wear are changing from year to year. New styles are coming in, existing fashions are leaving, and some are staying around. Go back to the early 2000s when flared jeans, chokers, and camouflage were the must haves that every female needed in her closet. Today, however, one would not be seen wearing those clothes. Instead the females are walking around today wearing kimonos, overalls, bold colors, and abstract prints. Over the last 15 years, the fashion styles have changed dramatically, just like the fonts have. The article says Times New Roman has a "tired reputation" just like the chokers did; therefore, a change is needed. Times New Roman was the font to use in years past, but businesses are changing and the people who run the businesses in our world are changing. Nobody is the typical CEO or businessman anymore, and so many new businesses and products are coming out that tradition is not the way to go anymore. Since fonts are changing, and newer fonts are being considered more acceptable on resumes and other writings, people are able to explore the realm of fonts and find something that fits them. They can find a font that matches their personality and use it, if it still offers a somewhat professional and sophisticated approach. The font one uses is important, but it opens one up and introduces themselves to the person reading their paper or, in this case, resume. The font carries a certain feeling, and can express what type of person the person who uses that font is. Fonts, just like fashion trends, prove that change is okay.

A final reason that font matters is that it can attract people in a certain way. As briefly discussed already, we as humans like something that is visually appealing; therefore, certain fonts can attract a bigger audience because they catch people's eyes. When kids go to a book store they are not going to pick up a book that has something written in Times New Roman font on it. They are going to go to the book that has the most ridiculous font style on it because that is what they like. By being daring and bold, people can attract a broader audience with their works. This could relate to an author who writes children's book, or a person who chooses a different font when typing their resume. The author can appeal to more kids and have a number one selling book, or the person can appeal to more companies and have a chance at getting a job at multiple places. I do not think anybody has ever put this much thought into the font they use, but it definitely makes sense after you think about it for a while. The font one chooses to use matters more than they could possibly imagine.