Second of March: A Versatile Script Font for Creative Branding
I recently had the opportunity to work with a small, independent skincare brand that wanted to stand out in a crowded market. Their vibe was all about simplicity and approachability—clean ingredients, natural scents, and a laid-back aesthetic. When I opened up my design board and started brainstorming their visual identity, I needed a font that could convey warmth and elegance without feeling too formal or stiff. That’s when I stumbled upon Second of March.
First Impressions and Visual Appeal
As soon as I loaded Second of March into my design software, I knew it had potential. It’s a script amp typeface with a relaxed, whimsical feel. The characters flow smoothly, almost like cursive handwriting you’d see on a personal note or a handwritten menu. But unlike many script fonts, Second of March doesn’t sacrifice clarity for charm. The letterforms are well-proportioned, with subtle flourishes that add character without overwhelming the message.
What really caught my eye was how friendly yet professional it looked. There's an effortless grace to it that makes it perfect for brands aiming to connect emotionally with their audience. It’s not over-the-top ornate, but just enough to suggest thoughtfulness and creativity—qualities this client definitely wanted to highlight.
Testing in Real Design Contexts
I began by placing it on a logo draft. The name of the brand was short and memorable, so I used Second of March as the headline. I paired it with a clean sans serif for the tagline. The contrast worked beautifully. The script gave personality while the sans serif kept things legible and grounded.
Next, I tested it on product labels. Since the brand uses glass jars and minimal packaging, I wanted the typography to be a key element. Second of March added a softness that matched the organic feel of the products. I found myself tweaking the spacing and using some of the included alternates to give each label a slightly different touch, which helped avoid repetition and made the collection feel more curated.
Designing for Print and Digital
One of the early challenges was ensuring the font would translate well across both print and digital formats. On business cards, I used it for the company name and found that even at smaller sizes, it retained its charm. For social media graphics, especially Instagram posts showcasing new arrivals, the font brought a handcrafted feel that resonated with their target audience—women who value artisanal, eco-friendly beauty solutions.
I also tried it in a homepage hero section for their e-commerce site. At first, I worried the script might not hold up against a busy background, but with the right contrast and color choices, it performed admirably. The whimsy didn't clash with the modern layout; instead, it complemented the minimalist design by adding a human touch.
Readability and Practical Application
Script fonts often get a bad rap for being hard to read, especially in longer text. However, Second of March surprised me with its balance between style and functionality. While I wouldn’t use it for body copy in a magazine or website content block, it works wonders in short-form text—logos, headlines, captions, call-to-action buttons, and promotional banners.
Its rhythm is consistent, making it easier to follow than other script fonts. This is crucial for branding projects where the logo needs to be legible from a distance, like on a shop sign or delivery box. I noticed that when I used it in conjunction with a strong visual hierarchy, the brand’s message became more engaging and memorable.
Font Pairing and Design Harmony
When pairing Second of March with other fonts, I leaned toward contrasting styles to keep the designs balanced. My go-to combination was a serif font for subheadings and body text. The serif provided structure and authority, allowing the script to shine as the emotional centerpiece of the brand. In some cases, I also used a bold sans serif to emphasize key phrases or pricing information.
If you're looking to create a softer, more romantic look—like for a boutique or handmade goods store—pairing it with another handwritten font can work if you vary weights and sizes. Just make sure one font isn’t competing with the other for attention. Second of March holds its own without needing to shout.
Observations Across Media
I used Second of March in several design outputs for the project:
- Logo design: As the primary headline, it felt authentic and inviting.
- Packaging design: Applied to jar labels and stickers, it enhanced the brand’s artisanal appeal.
- Social media templates: Used in post headers and product captions, it helped maintain a cohesive tone across platforms.
- Printed marketing materials: Brochures and flyers featured it in headlines, drawing attention without distracting from supporting details.
- Website headers: It added a warm welcome to the homepage and landing pages.
In every case, it adapted well, though I always made sure to test it at different sizes and on various backgrounds before finalizing any design. Sometimes, a slight increase in tracking or a change in color was all that was needed to bring it to life.
Commercial Use and Licensing
Since this was a real client project, I made sure to check the licensing options for Second of March. Fortunately, it offered solid commercial support, which meant I could confidently use it in logos, websites, and printed materials without worrying about legal hiccups. The file format was standard (OTF/TTF), and the font included a range of multilingual characters, which was a bonus since the client planned to expand into international markets.
The alternate characters and ligatures were a nice touch. They allowed for subtle variations in the logo and packaging, giving the brand a custom look without having to commission a bespoke typeface. It’s these little details that elevate a premium font like Second of March from good to great in a professional setting.
Why Second of March Works for Branding
Branding is about creating an emotional connection, and typography plays a big role in that. Second of March brings a sense of authenticity and approachability. It doesn’t scream “look at me,” but rather invites viewers to lean in and take notice. That kind of subtlety is powerful in building trust and familiarity.
It also helps with brand recognition. Once you start using it consistently, your audience begins to associate that unique script style with your offerings. Whether it’s a boutique, a café, or a creative studio, this font can help carve out a distinct visual identity.
Recommendations for Client Work
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up using Second of March in a real branding project:
- Use it as a display font: Ideal for headlines, logos, and short-form text. Avoid using it for long paragraphs.
- Test it in context: Try it on mockups of physical items like t-shirts, mugs, or signage to ensure it looks good in real-world applications.
- Consider weight and spacing: If you’re using it in editorial design or web headers, adjust the tracking for better readability and impact.
- Pair it wisely: Balance the whimsy with a structured secondary typeface. Think sans serif or modern typography styles.
- Check licensing: Especially if you’re working with clients who may need extended use beyond personal projects.
Final Thoughts on Second of March
Second of March has become a favorite in my toolkit for certain kinds of branding. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for businesses that want to exude warmth, creativity, and a touch of elegance, it’s a strong contender. Its versatility across both print and digital media, combined with thoughtful design features, makes it more than just a pretty face—it’s a practical choice for those who care about aesthetics and usability alike.
If you're designing for a small business, a lifestyle brand, or anything that leans into a cozy, artistic vibe, I recommend giving Second of March a try. You’ll find it adds just the right amount of soul to your designs—without ever losing its way.
