Aubergine Font Review
As a web designer, I often find myself searching for the perfect typeface to bring a project to life. Recently, I tested Aubergine on a new online store layout and was immediately drawn to its vintage flair and bold personality. This serif font feels like it belongs in a retro café or a handcrafted boutique, making it ideal for brands that want to stand out with character and charm.
Vintage Vibes with Modern Flexibility
Aubergine has a distinct visual personality—think of it as a modern take on classic typography with a touch of whimsy. Its thick strokes and subtle swashes give it a handcrafted feel, while the clean structure ensures it remains readable across different screen sizes. It’s not just a pretty font; it’s one that can elevate a website’s aesthetic without sacrificing usability.
I used it for the hero section of an online shop selling handmade soaps and candles. The font added a warm, inviting tone that matched the brand’s cozy vibe. It worked especially well when paired with a simple sans serif for body text, creating a balanced contrast that kept the design from feeling too busy.
Hero Sections and Headlines That Pop
One of the first places I tested Aubergine was in a hero section. The font’s boldness made it perfect for headlines that needed to grab attention. On a mobile device, it scaled nicely without losing clarity, which is crucial for responsive design. I also experimented with overlaying it on image banners, and it held up well against both light and dark backgrounds.
For a landing page promoting a digital course, I used Aubergine for the main title and CTA button. The font’s weight and structure gave it a premium feel, making the call-to-action stand out without being overwhelming. It’s a great choice for any design where you want to make a strong visual statement.
Web Usability and Readability
While Aubergine is undeniably stylish, it’s important to consider where it works best. I found that it shines in short phrases, such as headings, logos, and decorative accents. However, it’s not the best choice for long paragraphs of body text. In fact, when I tried using it for a blog post, the readability suffered, especially on smaller screens.
That said, when used intentionally, Aubergine can enhance user experience. For example, on a portfolio site, I used it for project titles and client names. The font added a personal touch that felt authentic and professional. It also worked well for buttons and navigation elements when paired with a simpler font for better legibility.
Font Pairing and Design Balance
One of the key aspects of using a display font like Aubergine is knowing how to pair it with other typefaces. I found that pairing it with a clean sans serif like Open Sans created a nice balance. The contrast between the two fonts helped guide the eye and made the design more approachable.
For a coaching website, I used Aubergine for the header and a soft serif font for the body copy. The result was a design that felt both modern and warm. It also worked well with a script font for a signature line at the bottom of the homepage, adding a personal touch to the overall look.
Considerations for Web Projects
Before using Aubergine on a live website, I recommend checking the available styles and weights. The font includes multiple alternates and swashes, which can be useful for customizing designs. However, if your project requires multilingual support or specific file formats, make sure to verify compatibility.
Also, keep in mind that PUA encoding allows for easy access to all glyphs, but this might not be ideal for every platform. If you're working with a client or a CMS that has strict font requirements, it’s worth confirming that Aubergine will work seamlessly in their environment.
Finally, always test the font on different devices and browsers to ensure it renders consistently. While Aubergine performed well in most cases, I noticed minor variations in some older browsers, which is something to keep in mind for broader accessibility efforts.
