Beside: A Handwritten Font for Creative Makers
It was a quiet afternoon in my studio, the kind where sunlight slants through the window and dust motes dance in the air. I was working on a new batch of candle labels—simple, elegant, and meant to evoke warmth and comfort. As I reached for my go-to font, I paused. Something felt off. The usual choices were too clean, too polished. I needed something with character, something that would make these labels feel like they were written by hand, not printed from a machine.
That’s when I found Beside. From the first glance, it had a certain charm. It wasn’t just a font; it was a story waiting to be told. With its playful curves and authentic imperfections, Beside immediately felt like the right choice. It embodied fun, quirkiness, and authenticity—perfect for my handmade candles and the cozy vibe I wanted to convey.
A Font That Feels Like a Personal Touch
Beside is a handwritten font with a unique personality. Its letters have a natural flow, as if they were scrawled quickly with a pen or pencil. There are little flourishes, tiny loops, and even some uneven strokes that give it an organic, human feel. This makes it ideal for any project that needs a personal touch, whether it's a greeting card, a boutique tag, or a wedding invitation.
I used Beside on a set of birthday invitations last month. The names and dates stood out beautifully against a soft pastel background. The font didn't overpower the design but instead added a sense of warmth and sincerity. It felt like the guest was receiving something special, something made with care.
Real-World Applications for Makers and Sellers
Beside isn't limited to just one type of project. Here are a few ways I've incorporated it into my work:
- Candle Labels: Beside adds a whimsical touch to my soy candles. It pairs well with minimalist designs and gives each label a unique identity.
- Greeting Cards: I created a line of handmade cards using Beside for the main text. The font's readability and charm made them stand out in the marketplace.
- Wedding Invitations: Beside works wonders for wedding stationery. It can be used for the event name, date, or even decorative wording without feeling cluttered.
- Printable Wall Art: I designed a series of digital printables featuring quotes and phrases in Beside. They look great framed or hung on a wall.
- Boutique Tags: For my small shop, I use Beside on tags for handmade jewelry and soap. It adds a personal flair that customers appreciate.
- Seasonal Products: During the holidays, I create festive tags and packaging using Beside. It brings a cheerful, handmade feel to everything from gift bags to cookie boxes.
Designing with Beside: Tips and Tricks
When working with Beside, it's important to consider how it will look in different formats. For small stickers or product labels, I recommend keeping the text concise. Long phrases can become difficult to read, especially at smaller sizes. However, for display purposes—like headings or titles—Beside shines.
I often pair Beside with a clean sans serif font for balance. This combination works well for both digital and physical projects. For example, I used Beside for the title of a planner page and paired it with a simple sans serif font for the body text. The contrast made the content easy to follow while still maintaining a creative aesthetic.
Before finalizing any design, I always check the font's included styles, alternates, ligatures, swashes, weights, and file formats. It's also crucial to confirm that the font has commercial licensing, especially if you're selling physical products, templates, or digital downloads.
Readability and Practical Use
One thing I love about Beside is that it's highly readable, even in smaller sizes. This makes it perfect for cutting machines, stickers, and printed cards. I've tested it on Cricut and Silhouette machines, and it cuts cleanly without any issues.
For mockup previews or listing images, I use Beside to add a consistent brand identity. Whether it's for social media graphics, web design, or editorial layouts, the font helps create a cohesive look that feels personal and professional.
When designing for physical merchandise, such as mugs, shirts, or tote bags, I ensure that the text is spaced properly and doesn't run together. Beside works best for short phrases, names, or titles rather than long paragraphs. But when used correctly, it can elevate the overall presentation of your product.
Beside is more than just a font—it's a creative tool that helps bring your ideas to life. Whether you're a crafter, handmade seller, or printable creator, this font offers a unique way to express your style and connect with your audience. With its charm, versatility, and authenticity, Beside is a valuable addition to any designer's toolkit.
