Currently: A Handwritten Font for Modern Editorial Design
A Quiet Moment in Font Selection
I was in the middle of redesigning a digital magazine layout when I paused—hovering over a handful of display fonts, trying to find the right tone for a feature article about seasonal mindfulness. The layout needed a font that felt personal but not overly decorative, readable but still expressive. That’s when I tried Currently.
What Is Currently and What Makes It Stand Out?
Currently is a handwritten font designed with a gentle rhythm and a soft visual texture. It mimics the flow of natural handwriting without feeling forced or overly stylized. Its strokes carry a subtle variation in weight, giving it a warm, approachable presence. It’s not a font that shouts for attention—it invites the reader in with quiet confidence.
From a design perspective, Currently fits well in the category of display fonts, though it straddles the line between decorative and functional. It’s not intended for long paragraphs or dense body text. Instead, it shines in editorial moments where tone and personality matter—like article titles, pull quotes, chapter openers, and newsletter headers.
How It Works in Real Editorial Layouts
I tested Currently in a few different contexts: a lifestyle blog header, a recipe ebook title, and a coaching workbook section opener. In each case, it brought a sense of intimacy and warmth that more formal fonts lacked. For the blog header, it gave the publication a friendlier, more personal identity. In the recipe ebook, it added a handmade, artisanal feel to the title page. And in the workbook, it helped guide the reader into reflective prompts with a softer visual tone.
It also worked surprisingly well in digital magazine layouts, especially when used for feature article titles and subheadings. When paired with a clean serif or sans serif font for body text, Currently provided a nice contrast and helped establish a clear visual hierarchy.
Readability and Format Considerations
While Currently is highly readable at medium to large sizes, it’s not ideal for long-form body copy, especially in print or PDF formats. On screen, it holds up well in newsletter graphics and social media posts, but caution is needed when using it in mobile layouts—particularly for smaller headings or captions.
For printables like planners or workbooks, I found it best to reserve Currently for titles and accents. Using it in dense worksheet sections caused a slight drop in readability, especially for younger or less experienced readers. The font’s expressive nature is a strength, but it does require thoughtful application.
When to Use (and When Not to Use) Currently
Currently excels in editorial and design contexts where mood and identity matter. It’s well-suited for:
- Blog headers and logo design
- Magazine cover titles and feature article headers
- Recipe ebook covers and chapter openers
- Newsletter graphics and greeting cards
- Pull quotes and editorial accents
- Printable planners and coaching workbooks
However, it’s best avoided in situations that demand high readability or formal tone:
- Body copy in long-form articles or reports
- Small captions and footnotes
- Technical documents or academic materials
- Navigation menus or mobile app UI
Font Pairing and Editorial Design
One of the most effective ways to use Currently is as part of a thoughtful font pairing strategy. Since it’s a display font with a handwritten character, it works best when balanced with a more neutral serif or sans serif font. For example, pairing Currently with a classic serif like Georgia or a modern sans like Helvetica Neue creates a clean contrast that supports both visual interest and readability.
In a recent digital magazine layout, I used Currently for the article title and a clean serif for the body text. The result was a layout that felt both expressive and grounded—a balance that’s essential in editorial design. The font also pairs well with minimalist layouts, where its organic texture can stand out without competing with other design elements.
Practical Notes for Designers and Publishers
Before using Currently in a publication or digital product, it’s important to check what styles and alternates are included. Many modern fonts come with ligatures, stylistic sets, and multiple weights that can enhance editorial layouts. Currently offers a clean set of alternates that help maintain consistency across different design contexts.
Also, be sure to verify file formats and licensing. If you’re using the font in an ebook, template, or client project, you’ll want to ensure it includes commercial use rights. Most premium fonts offer this, but it’s always wise to double-check, especially when distributing content that includes embedded fonts.
A Thoughtful Addition to Your Design Toolkit
Currently isn’t a font that will solve every design challenge, but it’s one that adds a unique tone to editorial projects that value warmth, personality, and approachability. Whether you’re redesigning a blog header, crafting a newsletter graphic, or laying out a printable planner, Currently offers a quiet elegance that enhances the reading experience without overpowering it.
