Big Old Dino: A Stone-Age Inspired Display Font
As I opened a new brand board for a local café, I felt the need to infuse something unique and playful. Enter Big Old Dino, a font that immediately caught my eye with its prehistoric charm and robust uppercase letters. This stone-age inspired typeface is not just a set of 26 rock-hard uppercase letters; it also comes with 26 lowercase dinosaur dingbats, making it a versatile choice for creative projects.
Visual Characteristics and Personality
Big Old Dino exudes a rugged, earthy vibe with its bold, chiseled strokes. The uppercase letters are powerful and commanding, perfect for creating a strong visual impact. The lowercase letters, on the other hand, are replaced by delightful dinosaur silhouettes, adding a whimsical touch. This combination makes Big Old Dino a standout in any design, whether you're aiming for a vintage, adventurous, or fun-loving aesthetic.
Performance in Branding Projects
I tested Big Old Dino on a logo concept for the café. The font's boldness and character made the café's name pop, instantly drawing attention. In a brand identity system, Big Old Dino can be used as a primary logo font, supported by a clean sans serif for body text. This pairing creates a balanced and professional look, while still maintaining the café's playful and welcoming atmosphere.
For packaging design, Big Old Dino's uppercase letters worked beautifully on product labels, especially when combined with the dinosaur dingbats. The result was a visually appealing and memorable package that stood out on the shelf. On a business card, the font added a touch of personality, making the card more than just a piece of contact information but a conversation starter.
Readability and Visual Hierarchy
While Big Old Dino is highly effective as a display and headline font, it's important to note that its bold and decorative nature may not be ideal for long-form text or small sizes. For instance, using it in a menu or a detailed brochure might challenge readability. However, for short phrases, titles, and accents, it performs exceptionally well, adding a distinctive flair to any design.
Practical Design Observations
When designing a social media layout for the café, I found that Big Old Dino's uppercase letters and dinosaur dingbats were perfect for Instagram posts and story highlights. The font's playful yet strong presence made the content more engaging and shareable. Similarly, in a website header, the font's boldness and unique style helped to create a memorable first impression.
For a shop sign, Big Old Dino's large, clear letters and distinctive style made it an excellent choice. The font's visibility and character ensured that the café's name was easily readable from a distance, making it a practical and attractive option for outdoor signage.
Font Pairing and Practical Advice
To complement Big Old Dino, I recommend pairing it with a clean and modern sans serif font like Helvetica or Arial. This combination maintains the font's strong presence while ensuring readability and a professional look. For a more eclectic feel, you could also consider a handwritten or script font, but be mindful of the overall balance and legibility.
Before using Big Old Dino in client work, it's crucial to test it thoroughly. Try it on different backgrounds, at various sizes, and in multiple contexts to ensure it meets your project's needs. Additionally, always check the commercial licensing terms to make sure you have the right permissions for use in branding, packaging, templates, and other commercial applications.
In conclusion, Big Old Dino is a versatile and charming display font that can add a unique and memorable touch to a wide range of design projects. Whether you're working on a café identity, product packaging, or social media graphics, this stone-age inspired font is sure to make a lasting impression.
