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Unpleasant Font Choices: An Unsettling Look

Aesthetic Typography: Fonts that Instantly Turn Users Off

Disliked Font Styles Induced by Unpleasant Aesthetics
Disliked Font Styles Induced by Unpleasant Aesthetics

Unpleasant Font Choices: An Unsettling Look

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In the world of branding, the choice of font can make or break a company's image. A recent study sheds light on the most popular and least effective fonts, and the lessons to be learned from them.

First, let's discuss the controversial font, FS Kitty. Often compared to impulse-buy body spray from Claire's and year 8 girlbands, FS Kitty is described as vaguely threatening and not conveying any clear message. On August 6th, 2025, the font was identified as causing full-body cringe in a studio Slack.

Ubuntu, another popular font, is associated with a passive-aggressive project manager and an anime mousemat. While it may come pre-installed on a Linux system, it does not convey brand trust.

On the other hand, Lobster font is commonly seen on menu boards, yoga candle labels, and posters. It is associated with a desire to be vintage and "Brooklyn." However, it is often compared to Etsy throwing up, Call of Duty expansion pack, and an Army surplus shop logo made in Microsoft Paint.

Stencil fonts are advised to sit out unless actively branding camo tents or designing warning labels for landmines. Grunge fonts, found on dafont.com, are associated with school film club posters for Saw sequels. Both are not considered suitable for building trust in a brand.

Grunge fonts, such as "BloodStab Italic" or "Sk8orDie.ttf," often have names that reflect their edgy nature. They are often associated with a shared Facebook account with a husband and a cat named Mr. Tibbles.

It's important to note that font choices are often selected for aesthetic and branding reasons tailored by the companies or their designers. There is no publicly available comprehensive list of German companies specifically using FS Kitty, Ubuntu, Lobster, Stencil, Grunge, or dafont.com fonts in their brand identity.

In light of these findings, it's crucial for companies to audit their brands to identify areas that need improvement. The Brand Pulse Audit tool can help in this process. For those interested in creative web design, web development, branding, and digital marketing, KOTA, a Creative Digital Agency based in Clerkenwell London, is ready to help. Interested parties can reach out to KOTA at hello@our website.co.uk.

In conclusion, the choice of font can significantly impact a brand's image. By understanding the do's and don'ts of font choices, companies can ensure their brand remains strong and trustworthy in the eyes of their audience.

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