Im Going: A Handwritten Typeface for Modern Editorial Design
I was sitting at my desk late last Tuesday, staring at a blank canvas for a new coaching workbook. The content was solid, the layout was clean, but something felt sterile. It lacked that human touch—the slight imperfection that makes a reader feel like they are being spoken to by a friend rather than addressed by a corporation. I needed a font that could bridge the gap between professional structure and personal connection. That is when I stumbled upon Im Going, a charming handwritten font from Script Amp that immediately shifted the mood of the entire project.
This isn’t just another generic brush script. Im Going carries a sense of freshness and casual elegance that feels incredibly current. Its fluid strokes and organic lines evoke a laid-back vibe without sacrificing legibility or sophistication. In this article, I want to walk you through how I integrated this typeface into a real editorial workflow, why it works so well for digital and print media, and how you can use it to elevate your own design projects.
The Personality Behind the Pixels
When we talk about typography in editorial design, we are really talking about voice. A serif font might whisper authority; a bold sans-serif might shout urgency. But a well-crafted script font? It invites you in. Im Going does exactly that. It feels like a note left on a kitchen counter or a signature at the end of a heartfelt letter. The letters have a natural rhythm, with varying stroke weights that mimic the pressure of a real pen on paper.
What stands out most is its balance. Many script fonts struggle with readability, becoming illegible blobs when scaled down or used in dense layouts. Im Going avoids this trap. While it is undeniably decorative, the spacing (kerning) and the shape of the characters remain open and clear. This makes it an excellent choice for headlines, pull quotes, and branding elements where you want to capture attention instantly. It adds character without demanding too much cognitive load from the reader.
Real-World Applications in Content Creation
After testing Im Going on my coaching workbook, I decided to experiment with it across different formats to see how versatile it truly is. Here is how it performed in various editorial contexts:
- Blog Headers and Feature Pages: When redesigning the header for a lifestyle blog, Im Going provided a perfect anchor. It softened the rigid grid of the navigation menu and gave the site a more approachable, magazine-like feel. It works beautifully as a display font for main titles, setting a warm tone before the reader even hits the first paragraph.
- Ebook Covers and Chapter Openers: For a recipe ebook I am currently designing, Im Going was used for the title and chapter headings. The organic lines complemented the photography of fresh ingredients perfectly. It feels artisanal and handcrafted, which aligns with the "from-scratch" theme of the book. Using it for chapter openers helped create a visual pause, signaling a transition in the narrative flow.
- Newsletter Graphics: In email marketing, grabbing attention in the subject line or the preheader is crucial. I used Im Going for the graphic overlay in a recent creator newsletter. Because the font has such distinct character, it stood out against a minimalist background, increasing click-through rates simply by making the visual more engaging.
- Printable Planners and Worksheets: One of the biggest challenges in printable design is ensuring that decorative fonts don’t clash with functional text. Im Going worked surprisingly well as a section header in a weekly planner. It added a touch of joy to what is usually a utilitarian document, encouraging users to engage with their planning process.
Readability and Screen Considerations
As designers, we often forget that our audience is reading on screens of all sizes. Mobile optimization is no longer optional; it is essential. When using a script font like Im Going, it is critical to understand its limitations. It is not designed for long-form body copy. Trying to read three paragraphs of text in a handwritten style will fatigue the eye quickly.
Instead, think of Im Going as a spotlight. Use it for short bursts of text: titles, subtitles, pull quotes, and captions. To maintain a high-quality reading experience, pair it with a highly readable serif font for body text or a clean sans-serif font for captions and navigation. This contrast creates a strong visual hierarchy. The eye naturally moves from the distinctive script headline to the stable, easy-to-read body text. This combination ensures that your publication identity remains consistent while keeping the content accessible and comfortable to consume.
For PDF exports and print materials, the resolution of Im Going’s organic lines holds up beautifully. However, always check the file format and licensing terms. If you are creating digital downloads, templates, or paid newsletters, ensure you have the appropriate commercial license. Script Amp provides clear guidelines, but verifying multilingual support and included styles (such as italics or bold variants if available) is a smart step before finalizing your design assets.
Building a Cohesive Brand Identity
In the world of independent publishing and content creation, consistency is key to building trust. By incorporating a unique typeface like Im Going into your brand identity, you create a recognizable visual signature. Whether it is on social media graphics, packaging design, or web design, the font becomes part of your story.
Consider how you can use it for decorative accents. Maybe it’s the word "Welcome" on your landing page, or "Thank You" on the back of a thank-you card sent to subscribers. These small details accumulate to create a premium feel. It signals to your audience that you care about the aesthetics of your work, not just the substance. This attention to detail enhances perceived value, which is particularly important for creators selling digital products or physical goods.
Practical Tips for Implementation
If you are ready to bring Im Going into your next project, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- Scale Appropriately: Script fonts often look best when they are large enough for the individual letterforms to breathe. Avoid shrinking them too small, as the details can get lost.
- Use White Space: Give the font room to stand out. Cluttered backgrounds compete with the organic lines of the script. Ample white space allows the typography to shine.
- Check Contrast: Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the font color and the background. Dark gray or black text on a light cream background often looks more elegant and is easier to read than pure black on pure white.
- Mix Weights Wisely: If the font family includes lighter or heavier weights, use them to create depth. A light weight can be used for subtle accents, while the regular weight serves as the primary display element.
Ultimately, choosing the right font is about choosing the right emotion. Im Going brings a sense of calm, creativity, and personal touch to any layout. It transforms static text into a visual experience that resonates with readers. Whether you are designing a wedding guide, a digital magazine, or a simple blog post, this typeface offers a modern twist on classic handwriting. It proves that you don’t need complex design software or years of experience to create something beautiful—you just need the right tools and a thoughtful approach. As I closed my workbook project that night, I felt a renewed confidence in my design choices. The words looked better, yes, but more importantly, they felt right.
