There Was a King Font Review for Brand Designers
Opening a fresh brand board one morning, I was greeted by the familiar blank canvas of a new project. It was a boutique skincare brand, and the challenge was to create something that felt both timeless and modern. As I reached for my usual go-to fonts, I hesitated—something felt missing. That’s when I stumbled upon There Was a King, a Blackletter font with a story to tell.
A Font with Character and History
There Was a King is more than just a typeface—it’s a journey through history wrapped in elegant strokes and deliberate curves. As a Blackletter font, it carries the weight of old-world typography but with a refined edge that makes it feel fresh and relevant. The visual characteristics are unmistakable: thick serifs, sharp angles, and an overall regal presence that speaks to its name.
Its personality leans toward the dramatic, making it ideal for brands that want to evoke a sense of legacy, craftsmanship, or storytelling. The mood it sets is rich and bold, perfect for projects that aim to stand out from the crowd without sacrificing elegance.
Testing There Was a King in Real Branding Work
I tested There Was a King across several branding elements, including a logo concept, brand board, packaging mockup, business card, website header, and social media layout. Each time, it brought a unique energy to the table.
On the logo draft, the font immediately gave the brand a strong, memorable identity. It felt like the kind of emblem you’d see on a vintage label or a noble crest. When placed on a packaging mockup, it added a touch of sophistication that elevated the product’s perceived value.
For the business card, the font worked well as a headline, drawing attention while maintaining legibility. However, I noticed that using it for body text wasn’t ideal—its complexity made it less readable in smaller sizes or long passages.
In the website header, it commanded attention without overwhelming the design. On Instagram posts, it helped reinforce the brand’s visual consistency and made captions feel more intentional and crafted.
Where This Font Shines and Where It Might Fall Short
There Was a King excels as a display font, headline font, or accent font. It works beautifully for short phrases, logos, and brand identities that need a touch of drama or historical flair. Its ornate details make it a standout choice for editorial design, packaging labels, and creative studio identities.
However, it may not be the best fit for projects requiring long-form text, such as blogs, reports, or formal corporate documents. Its intricate design can reduce readability at smaller sizes, so it’s best used sparingly and with careful consideration of context.
If you’re working on a boutique identity, café refresh, or handmade shop branding, this font could be your secret weapon. But for a tech startup or minimalist lifestyle brand, it might feel too heavy-handed.
Practical Tips for Using There Was a King
Before committing to There Was a King in final client work, test it in different contexts and sizes. Consider how it pairs with other fonts—pairing it with a clean sans serif or a modern serif can help balance its ornate style.
Also, check the included styles, alternates, ligatures, and swashes. These features can add versatility and depth to your designs. If you're planning to use it in digital or print-on-demand projects, ensure you have the correct licensing for commercial use.
Remember, even the most beautiful font needs to serve the brand’s message. Use There Was a King strategically to enhance—not overshadow—the content you're trying to communicate.
Whether you're designing a shop sign, product label, or homepage hero section, this font brings a unique character that can elevate your creative work. Just remember to pair it wisely, test it thoroughly, and always consider the audience you're speaking to.
