page_44 < previous page page_44 next page > Page 44 17 Use Swash Letters Sparingly Many of the fine old faces, such as Garamond and Caslon, have swash (ornate) letters in addition to the regular letters. If you are designing a newsletter heading such as the one shown here, utilizing swash characters appropriately and sparingly certainly can be effective in conveying character. This organization maintains Boston's Old State House, built in 1713, so the swash letters create a neat, dignified newsletter heading that's completely in keeping with the character of the society. But don't overdo swash letters. They can be distracting and hard to read when too many are used together, and can lose their impact. And make sure their old-fashioned appearance is in keeping with your message. Swash letters can easily be overdone, as in Yuletide, but can create a dignified look when used properly, as the Caslon italic caps do in the newsletter heading for The Bostonian Society. 18 Use Old-style Figures with Care Old-style figures provide a nice touch and you should make use of them, but only in an appropriate project, such as an advertisement for colonial style furniture or the program for a classical music concert. The use of old-style figures in this heading adds a touch of class. Old-style figures can help you avoid the rigidity of lining figures, but only with an appropriate design like this one.  < previous page page_44 next page >