Totally Different: A Playful Display Font for Creative Makers
I had just finished pouring a batch of soy wax candles when I sat down to design the new spring labels. The scent was a light linen and lavender blend, and I wanted the packaging to feel just as fresh and approachable. I opened my font library and started testing different typefaces, looking for something that could deliver a friendly, handcrafted vibe without looking messy or overly casual. That’s when I rediscovered Totally Different, and everything clicked into place.
This clean and neat display font has a way of making any project feel instantly more cheerful. It’s one of those rare typefaces that manages to be both polished and playful, with rounded, slightly whimsical letterforms that still feel modern and intentional. Whether I’m designing product labels, printable wall art, or boutique tags, Totally Different adds a fun, friendly touch that never overwhelms the design. It’s the kind of font that makes a product name or headline stand out on a shelf, in a listing photo, or at a craft fair table, all while keeping everything looking crisp and professional.
The First Real Test: Candle Label Mockups
I set up a simple label design in my layout software, using Totally Different for the scent name “Linen & Lavender.” The font’s rounded edges and open counters gave the text a soft, inviting presence that matched the candle’s vibe perfectly. I paired it with a clean sans serif for the smaller details like the weight and burn time. The combination felt balanced and intentional, almost like something you’d find in a little boutique.
When I printed the mockup on matte sticker paper and applied it to a frosted glass jar, the type was crisp and easy to read even from a few feet away. The display font’s moderate weight meant it didn’t have any overly thin strokes that might disappear when printed at smaller sizes, which is something I always worry about with decorative fonts. It held up beautifully on a curved surface, and the text stayed legible without any awkward stretching or distortion.
For a second test, I created a set of coordinating labels for a honey and vanilla scent. I used the same typeface but changed the color to a warm amber. The font’s consistent character tied the two products together visually, giving my small line a subtle but meaningful brand identity. That’s when I realized Totally Different could become a staple in my packaging design toolkit.
From Digital Art to Physical Products: Stickers and Planner Pages
Encouraged by the label results, I moved on to a printable sticker sheet I’d been planning for my shop. The sheet included round motivational phrases, small decorative labels, and a few larger header stickers for planner pages. I used Totally Different for the main words like “Today’s Focus,” “You’ve Got This,” and “Happy Mail.” The font’s playful bounce made the stickers feel uplifting and personal, the kind of little accents that make a planner spread feel more like a creative escape than a chore.
Readability was a key concern, especially for the smaller stickers that would be placed on narrow planner boxes. I ran a test cut on my electronic cutting machine using a standard kiss-cut setting. The font’s clean outlines meant the blade followed the letterforms smoothly, with no snagging or tearing. The letters had enough breathing room to remain clear even at a quarter-inch height, which is a must for functional stickers.
I also designed a simple weekly planner insert using the font for the days of the week. The headers looked cheerful but not childish, and the whole page felt more welcoming than when I had used a standard block typeface. For makers who sell printable planners, a font like this can transform a basic template into something that feels like a thoughtful design asset.
Bringing a Cheerful Mood to Handmade Cards and Invitations
Next, I turned to greeting cards. I had a few 5x7 blank card bases waiting, and I wanted to create a birthday card that felt both handmade and a little special. I set the word “Celebrate” in Totally Different, centered it, and added a simple watercolor floral wreath around it. The font’s rounded, bouncy letters gave the card front a celebratory feel without shouting. It was warm, approachable, and exactly the kind of design that would photograph well for a listing image.
I experimented with a wedding invitation suite as well. For a rustic outdoor ceremony, I used the font for the couple’s names on the main invitation, with a delicate serif for the details. The contrast between the playful display font and the elegant serif created a lovely balance of relaxed and refined. The names felt like the focal point, which is exactly what you want on an invitation. I also tested it on a matching welcome sign, scaled up to a large size, and the typeface remained readable and charming from a distance.
For makers who design seasonal products, Totally Different works wonderfully on holiday tags, party favor labels, and festive banners. I mocked up a simple “Happy Fall” tag for a pumpkin spice candle, and the font’s warmth complemented the seasonal theme perfectly. It’s the kind of creative font that adapts to different moods without losing its core personality.
Creating a Cohesive Shop Look with Boutique Tags and Packaging
One of the most rewarding parts of running a small handmade business is the unboxing experience. I started using Totally Different on my thank-you tags, price tags, and tissue paper stickers. The font’s consistent, friendly voice made every piece of packaging feel like an extension of the brand. Even a simple “Thank You” printed on a kraft paper tag became a small design moment.
I also used it on hang tags for a line of tote bags I was testing. The font was large enough to be read from a distance, and its clean lines meant it didn’t compete with the fabric texture or any printed artwork. For a shirt design, I created a pocket-sized print with the word “Be Kind” in the font, and it transferred beautifully using heat-transfer vinyl. The letters were thick enough to weed easily, and the final result looked sharp and intentional.
When you use the same typeface across multiple product types, customers start to recognize your style. That kind of visual consistency builds trust and helps your shop feel curated. Totally Different gave me that consistency without feeling repetitive, because its adaptable nature let me use it in different sizes, colors, and contexts while still keeping everything cohesive.
Pairing Totally Different with Complementary Typefaces
One of the best things about this font is how well it plays with others. For most of my projects, I pair it with a simple sans serif for body text or secondary details. That creates a clear hierarchy and keeps the design from feeling cluttered. When I want a more romantic or whimsical look, I’ll combine it with a light script font, using Totally Different for the main heading and the script for accent words. This pairing works beautifully on wedding signage, baby shower invitations, and printable wall art.
For a more editorial or modern feel, I’ve paired it with a clean serif font. The contrast between the rounded, playful display font and the structured serif gives the design a polished, editorial quality that works well for lookbooks, branding boards, and social media graphics. The key is to let Totally Different be the star, using it at a larger size to draw the eye, while the supporting typeface handles the smaller, more informational text.
Practical Considerations Before You Start Selling
Before you use any typeface on products you plan to sell, there are a few things worth checking. I always make sure to look at the font’s licensing terms to confirm that commercial use is allowed, especially for physical products, digital downloads, and print-on-demand merchandise. If the font is going to be embedded in a template or used in an SVG-style design for cutting machines, those details matter.
I also take a moment to review the included file formats. Most premium fonts come with OTF and TTF options, and sometimes even webfont versions. Having both formats ensures compatibility with whatever design software you’re using, whether it’s a vector program, a desktop publisher, or a cloud-based design tool. It’s also a good idea to check if the font includes any alternates, ligatures, or swashes that can add even more personality to your projects. While Totally Different is clean and straightforward, some display fonts come with extra glyphs that can be a fun creative bonus.
If you’re designing for a global audience, multilingual support is another factor. Many fonts include a full set of Latin extended characters, which covers a wide range of languages. I always test a few words in languages I know my customers speak, just to make sure the accents and special characters render correctly. A small test print or a quick mockup on a screen goes a long way in preventing surprises later.
Making the Most of Totally Different in Your Own Projects
Every time I open my design software to create a new product, I’m reminded that the right font can tell a story before a single word is even read. Totally Different has become a staple in my font collection because it bridges the gap between clean and playful so effortlessly. It brings a sense of joy to candle labels, planner stickers, wedding invitations, and boutique tags without ever feeling gimmicky. The neat, rounded letterforms make it easy to work with across a huge range of materials, from glossy sticker paper to textured kraft cardstock and even fabric.
If you’re a maker who loves the idea of a display font that feels both polished and personable, this one is worth experimenting with. Try it on a few mockups, pair it with your favorite sans serif or script, and see how it transforms the mood of your designs. It’s the kind of creative font that makes the design process feel a little more fun, and the finished products feel a little more special.
