Whether you're a typography geek or a casual admirer of 'type', the choice of typeface (colloquially named 'font') is a key consideration in any piece of visual communication. In fact, designers invest time in how to choose the right typeface when they are creating brand identities or designing promotional material, in part because, type sets the mood and style for a logo, flyer, banner ad website or any type of visual communication. If your logo needs to get the attention of music-loving under 30s for instance, your choice of font for this market will be will differ if you are communicating luxury travel by cruise ship. In the last few years we have seen key visual design trends emerge like the use of real-life photography or flat design but a typography trend we're loving right now is the rise of the handwritten font.

In this article, we've rounded up eight free and fresh handwritten fonts to add a tactile, slightly organic and personal sensibility to your design projects.

NOTE:If you're a small business owner (and not a designer) and want a logo with a handwritten font, then researching and downloading fonts may not make sense for you. In this scenario, you should check out BrandCrowd's handwritten logo tool and see if you can make a logo with a handwritten font online (no need for any software).

1. Blaze and Radley Display Typeface

blaze and radley free handwritten font

An elegant handwritten display typeface design inspired by the characters of the amazing cartoon from late 80's.

Designer: Dilem Akiner

2. Noni

noni free handwritten font

Noni is an actual hand-drawn font with no rules nor measurments, it’s an exact match to what anyone would write down using his hand.

Designer: Ahmed Barakat

3. Nodul

nodul free handwritten font

Another ShabDesigner: is a script typeface family. Its shapes are defined Designer: rough, wide brushstrokes, slightly rounded in corners to mimic the feel of a real handwritten casual script.

Designer: Harun Kokturk

4. Another Shabby

Another ShabDesigner: free handwritten font

Another stunning font by Shabby, is a script typeface family. Its shapes are defined by rough, wide brushstrokes, slightly rounded in corners to mimic the feel of a real handwritten casual script.

5. Chimphand

Chimphand free handwritten font

Chimp hand is an organic, natural and contemporary handwritten font. It comes in various weights, light, regular and bold.

Designer: Motoki Higa

6. Meryjane

Meryjane free handwritten font

Meryjane is an 100% free handwritten typeface, available for download.

Designer: Mercan Cebe

7. FFAD Matro

FFAD Matro free handwritten font

A handwritten font with some ligatures and some alternate characters for a more handwritten feel. It's a free personal use and commercial use.

Designer: SuperBruut

8. Quirky

Quirky free handwritten font

Quirky typeface was originaly designed for a school project. Currently it can be downloaded for free and can be used in any sort of projects.

Designer: Amit Jakhu

What's your favorite handwritten font? Did it make the list? Share your faves in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like this article that lists 20 beautiful free fonts by DesignCrowd designer Sarao Arts, or this one, 48 stunning examples of typography in design.

Guest post by Angelaht, a top-ranked graphic designer from DesignCrowd - a totally awesome online marketplce to crowdsource graphic design that will grow you business!

Designers For Hire!

DesignCrowd's 400,000+ designers are a talented bunch. If you have a similar project in mind or need a graphic design to promote your company or organisation than look for other talented designers in DesignCrowd's designer directory. If you're looking for freelance design jobs, find out more about the benefits of working on DesignCrowd.

Written by Jo Sabin on Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.