Less is More, More or Less

Typography is said to be anonymous when it does not influence or color the meaning of the message it’s presents. In this way, the messenger is not part of the message, only its conveyance, without affirmation or contradiction. The careful placement of typography can also support its position of anonymity, by keeping focus on the content rather than the appearance of the text.

However, when the typeface or its layout is designed to embellish the text, one of two conditions results. Less becomes more when the application technique overwhelms the content of the message or more becomes less when the typeface and its arrangement is applied in a supporting role. Balance between just so and too much is achieved when presentation and communication are seen as collaborators rather than competitors.