Bored Trying: A Mixed Typeface Review for Modern Branding
I was staring at a blank Figma file, the cursor blinking in that judgmental way only software can manage. The project was a boutique skincare brand called "Raw & Root," and the brief asked for something that felt organic but modern. I needed a typeface that could carry weight without feeling heavy-handed. That’s when I pulled up Bored Trying. It wasn’t my first choice, but it was the one that stopped me from scrolling.
This isn’t just another generic font download. Bored Trying is a mixed font with blackletter as the uppercase and sans as the lowercase. With rough and handmade looks, this font suitable for branding, poster, quotes, and any media that need natura[li]ty. But does it actually work in a professional context? After spending three days testing it on logo drafts, packaging mockups, and social media layouts, here is my honest take on how this typeface performs in the real world.
The Visual Personality of Bored Trying
When you first load the font files, the contrast hits you immediately. The uppercase letters are rooted in traditional blackletter aesthetics—sharp, angular, and slightly aggressive. They evoke a sense of history, craft, and authority. However, the lowercase letters break that tension completely. They are clean, geometric sans serifs that feel approachable and contemporary.
This juxtaposition creates a unique visual rhythm. It’s not chaotic; it’s curated. The rough edges of the uppercase give it a handmade, artisanal feel, while the smooth lowercase ensures legibility. In design terms, this is what we call a display font with strong character. It doesn’t whisper; it speaks with a distinct voice. For a brand identity, this duality allows designers to balance heritage vibes with modern minimalism—a difficult feat to achieve without looking dated or overly trendy.
Testing Bored Trying in Real-World Applications
To see if this font could hold up under pressure, I applied it to various assets for the Raw & Root project. Here is how it behaved across different mediums.
Logo Design and Brand Identity
In logo design, simplicity is king, but personality is queen. Bored Trying works exceptionally well as a logotype for brands that want to signal craftsmanship. When I used the uppercase for the brand name, it looked like a stamp of authenticity. The blackletter elements suggested quality ingredients or hand-made processes. However, I had to be careful with spacing. Because the uppercase has such strong verticality, tight tracking made the letters clash. Loose tracking allowed the blackletter forms to breathe, creating a sophisticated, high-end look.
For the sub-branding or tagline, using the lowercase sans serif provided a perfect counterweight. It kept the logo from feeling too gothic or medieval. This pairing strategy is crucial. If you use only the uppercase, the logo might feel too aggressive for a lifestyle brand. If you use only the lowercase, you lose the distinctive character that makes Bored Trying interesting.
Packaging and Product Labels
Packaging design requires hierarchy. On a small product label, readability is non-negotiable. I tested Bored Trying on a mockup for a natural soap bar. The uppercase was used for the product name ("Lavender Calm"), and the lowercase handled the volume and ingredient list. The result was striking. The rough texture of the uppercase caught the eye on a shelf, while the clean lowercase ensured customers could easily read the details. It feels tactile even on screen, which translates well to physical print materials like business cards and flyers.
Digital Presence: Web and Social Media
On the web, Bored Trying shines in hero sections and editorial headers. I placed it over a textured background for the website header, and it popped without needing extra drop shadows or effects. For social media graphics, it’s an asset for quotes and short phrases. The mix of styles allows for dynamic compositions where the headline grabs attention and the supporting text remains easy to scan. It’s particularly effective for Instagram posts that aim for an aesthetic that feels both curated and authentic.
Limitations and Where Not to Use It
No typeface is a silver bullet, and Bored Trying has clear boundaries. Because of its decorative nature, it is not suitable for long body text. Trying to set paragraphs of copy in the uppercase would be a nightmare for readers. Even the lowercase, while cleaner, carries enough stylistic flair that extended reading becomes fatiguing.
Furthermore, avoid using this font for formal corporate communications. If you are designing a financial report, a legal document, or a healthcare interface, Bored Trying will undermine the trust and stability those industries require. Its "rough" aesthetic signals creativity and informality, not rigidity or precision. Stick to using it for creative studios, boutique shops, cafes, bakeries, handmade sellers, and lifestyle brands.
Font Pairing Strategies
Since Bored Trying is a mixed font with blackletter as the uppercase and sans as the lowercase, it already contains a built-in pairing system. However, you can extend this further depending on your layout needs.
- With a Serif Font: For editorial design or magazine-style layouts, pair the uppercase of Bored Trying with a classic serif like Garamond or Caslon. The contrast between the modern-blackletter hybrid and the traditional serif creates a rich, literary feel.
- With a Geometric Sans: To emphasize the modern side, pair it with a neutral geometric sans like Futura or Montserrat. This highlights the handmade aspect of Bored Trying by surrounding it with clean, structured lines.
- With a Script Font: For a more feminine or artistic brand identity, a flowing script can complement the sharp angles of the blackletter uppercase. Use this sparingly, as too many competing styles can create visual noise.
Technical Considerations and Licensing
Before integrating Bored Trying into your final client work, check the included styles. Most premium fonts offer multiple weights, alternates, ligatures, and swashes. These features allow you to customize the look without changing the font family. Check for multilingual support if your brand operates internationally. Ensure you have the correct file formats (OTF, TTF, WOFF2) for your workflow, especially if you need webfont availability for responsive design.
Crucially, always review commercial font licensing. Using a font in a personal project is different from using it in a brand identity, packaging, templates, merchandise, websites, digital products, or print-on-demand products. Make sure you have the rights to use Bored Trying commercially to avoid legal issues down the line.
Final Verdict
Bored Trying is a versatile creative font that bridges the gap between historical typography and modern design trends. Its unique combination of blackletter uppercase and sans lowercase offers designers a ready-made solution for creating contrast and interest. Whether you are working on a café visual refresh, a bakery packaging overhaul, or a creative studio identity, this typeface adds a layer of sophistication and personality that standard fonts often lack. Just remember to use it wisely: let it lead in headlines and logos, but step back for body text. When used correctly, Bored Trying isn’t just a font; it’s a statement.
