Postcard Fonts: Vintage Titles and Greetings From Lettering

A postcard title may be a simple place name, flowing greeting or large illustrated letters. These are different compositions rather than one universal font. Begin with the place, period and format of your reference. Keep the picture, title and small message roles separate so an attractive display word does not overwhelm the card’s purpose.

The Newberry Library explains that Curt Teich’s large-letter Greetings From designs placed local attractions inside the letters spelling a state, city or town. That effect depends on illustration and composition as well as the alphabet outline. A plain font download does not automatically include the destination scenes, colors and dimensional treatment found in a historic postcard.

Start with the exact place name in a substantial display face, such as Alfa Slab One, and place a short greeting above it. Compare the available width and letter spaces before adding picture fills or shadows. Use Yellowtail as a separate flowing accent direction. These are independent modern comparisons, not identifications of a specific Teich specimen.

Inspect the finished design at its physical size. If pictures inside letters become too small to understand, simplify the imagery or reduce the number of scenes. Leave a plain area for the date or personal message. Use the retro collection for broader comparisons and consult the Newberry collection guide when researching an original card.