Broken Things: A Display Font for Editorial Elegance
There’s something oddly satisfying about choosing the right font for a project. It’s like finding the perfect shade of blue for a logo or the ideal photograph for a magazine spread—subtle, but impactful. Recently, I found myself in the process of redesigning a lifestyle blog header, and Broken Things caught my eye with its unique squared lettering and cool aesthetic. What started as a simple test quickly became an exploration of how one font can shape the tone, mood, and visual identity of a publication.
A Font with Character
Broken Things is a display font that feels both modern and nostalgic. Its squared letterforms give it a structured edge, while the subtle irregularities in its design add a touch of imperfection that feels human. This balance makes it incredibly versatile—it doesn’t scream for attention but still commands presence when needed. The rhythm of the letters feels intentional, almost like they were crafted to fit into a story rather than just fill space.
Visually, Broken Things has a mood that leans toward the creative and the editorial. It carries a quiet confidence, making it ideal for use in content that wants to feel thoughtful yet approachable. Whether it's a chapter opener in a coaching workbook or a pull quote in a digital magazine, this font adds a layer of personality without overwhelming the reader.
Real-World Applications in Editorial Design
I tested Broken Things in a few real publishing scenarios. For a recipe ebook I was working on, I used it for section headings and title pages. The font’s clean lines paired well with warm, organic images of food, creating a visual contrast that felt balanced and inviting. In a wedding guide, it worked beautifully as a cover text and for decorative accents, adding a touch of sophistication without being too formal.
Another test came in the form of a newsletter header. Here, Broken Things helped establish a clear hierarchy—its bold presence made headlines stand out, while keeping the rest of the content readable and easy to follow. It also performed well in print formats, maintaining clarity even when scaled down for smaller details like sidebars or captions.
For longer reading, however, I found that Broken Things is better suited for titles, subtitles, and pull quotes rather than dense paragraphs. Its expressive nature works best in short bursts where impact matters more than legibility. That said, pairing it with a clean sans serif or serif font for body copy ensures that the overall layout remains accessible and professional.
Readability and Practical Considerations
While Broken Things shines in editorial moments that demand attention, it’s important to consider its readability across different mediums. On screen, especially in mobile layouts, it holds up well at standard sizes. However, for small captions or long-form content, it may not be the most practical choice. Testing it in PDF exports and print materials showed consistent results—its structure held up well, and the font didn’t lose clarity when printed at various resolutions.
For those looking to use Broken Things in commercial projects, checking the included styles, alternates, ligatures, weights, and multilingual support is essential. Ensuring the font license covers the intended use—whether for ebooks, templates, printables, or client work—is also crucial. Many premium fonts come with extensive character sets, which can be especially useful for international publications or multilingual content.
Pairing and Brand Identity
Font pairing plays a significant role in editorial design, and Broken Things offers a great foundation for creative combinations. Pairing it with a classic serif font like Georgia or a modern sans serif like Helvetica Neue can create a visually appealing contrast that enhances readability and reinforces brand identity. This approach is particularly effective for content that needs to feel both artistic and trustworthy.
In a digital magazine layout, I paired Broken Things with a minimalist sans serif for navigation menus and captions. The result was a cohesive look that maintained visual interest without distracting from the content itself. For branding purposes, the font’s distinctiveness made it a strong candidate for logos, headers, and promotional graphics, helping to establish a unique editorial voice.
Ultimately, Broken Things is a font that understands the delicate balance between style and substance. It brings a sense of calm confidence to any editorial project, whether it's a blog header, a course PDF, or a printable planner. When used thoughtfully, it supports visual hierarchy, reader engagement, and the overall mood of the publication without ever feeling forced or overdone.
