That Rainbow: A Playful Font for Editorial Design
There’s a moment in every design project when the right font can transform an ordinary layout into something memorable. I was recently redesigning the header for a lifestyle blog, and after testing several options, That Rainbow stood out with its gentle curves and cheerful rhythm. It felt like the perfect match for a publication that wanted to feel approachable yet visually engaging.
That Rainbow is a decorative sans serif font that brings a sense of joy and whimsy to any design. Its clean lines and soft curves make it both playful and versatile. Unlike more rigid or overly stylized display fonts, That Rainbow maintains a balance between fun and readability, making it ideal for editorial use where visual appeal meets practicality.
Visual Character and Editorial Appeal
The visual character of That Rainbow is defined by its light, bouncy strokes and subtle variations in weight. It feels hand-drawn but refined, giving it a unique personality that stands out without being overwhelming. This makes it especially well-suited for headlines, titles, and pull quotes that need to capture attention while remaining legible on screen and in print.
I tested That Rainbow in a recipe ebook layout, using it for chapter openers and section headings. The font added a warm, inviting tone to the content, which aligned perfectly with the brand's mission of encouraging home cooking. It also worked beautifully in a digital magazine layout for a wedding guide, where it helped set a celebratory mood without distracting from the photos and text.
Real-World Applications in Content Layouts
That Rainbow shines in editorial contexts that benefit from a touch of personality. For instance, it works exceptionally well as a blog header font, adding a sense of energy and creativity to the top of the page. When used in newsletter graphics, it helps create a cohesive visual identity that draws readers in and keeps them engaged.
In a coaching workbook I designed, That Rainbow was used for chapter titles and key takeaways. The font's upbeat nature complemented the positive, motivational tone of the content. It also performed well in printable planner designs, where it helped break up dense blocks of text and add visual interest to weekly calendars and goal-setting sections.
While That Rainbow is not suited for long-form body copy due to its expressive style, it excels in short bursts of text—like pull quotes, section headers, and decorative accents. Pairing it with a clean sans serif or serif font for body text ensures a balanced layout that remains easy to read across different platforms and devices.
Readability and Practical Considerations
When considering a font for editorial design, readability is always a priority. That Rainbow performs well in most scenarios, particularly when used at larger sizes. On mobile layouts, it retains its clarity and doesn’t become too small or crowded. In PDF exports and print materials, the font holds up nicely, maintaining its character without losing legibility.
For designers looking to incorporate That Rainbow into their projects, it's important to check the included styles, alternates, and ligatures. These features can enhance the font's versatility and help achieve a more polished look in complex layouts. Additionally, ensuring that the font supports the necessary languages and has proper commercial licensing is crucial, especially when designing for paid newsletters, client publications, or digital downloads.
Font pairing plays a significant role in creating a harmonious design. When using That Rainbow, consider pairing it with a complementary serif font for body copy or a minimalist sans serif for captions and navigation. This creates a dynamic contrast that supports visual hierarchy and guides the reader through the content smoothly.
Whether you're working on a course PDF, a digital magazine, or a creative brand identity, That Rainbow offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional typefaces. Its unique charm and flexibility make it a valuable addition to any designer's toolkit, especially when the goal is to create content that feels both professional and personable.
