Be Awesome Instead: A Versatile Typeface for Campaign Design
It was 3 PM on a Thursday, and I had just landed the design for a new online course launch. The client wanted bold yet approachable visuals that would pop across Instagram, YouTube, and their website banners. I opened my design software, ready to build out the assets — and as I reviewed the brand’s aesthetic, it became clear that we needed something fresh but readable. That’s when I pulled up Be Awesome Instead, a sans serif font with a subtle bookish charm. It wasn’t the first time I’d reached for this typeface, but each project reminded me why it's such a reliable choice in the designer’s toolkit.
Be Awesome Instead in Social Media Graphics
In the fast-scrolling feeds of platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, text needs to be both legible and visually arresting within a split second. Be Awesome Instead fits perfectly here. Its clean sans serif structure ensures clarity at small sizes, while the slightly relaxed character spacing gives it a warm, inviting feel. For the course launch, I used it in a series of carousel posts and reels covers where the message was short and punchy: “Unlock Your Potential,” “Start Today, Succeed Forever.” Each headline used Be Awesome Instead in a heavier weight, which helped it stand out against background images without overwhelming the viewer.
The font also played well with imagery. When layered over photos or gradients, its soft curves didn’t clash, and the open apertures made reading effortless even on mobile screens. In one thumbnail, I paired it with a minimalist illustration and a light gradient overlay. The result? A cohesive look that felt modern but not cold — exactly what the brand needed to connect with their target audience.
Be Awesome Instead for Digital Ads and Banners
Next up was designing a set of digital ads for Google and Facebook. These needed to be scannable at a glance and deliver the core message quickly. Be Awesome Instead delivered again. The font’s readability in short bursts made it ideal for headlines and call-to-action buttons. I tested it in various weights and found that the medium and bold styles worked best for headers, while the regular version served as a supportive subhead. Across all formats — from vertical stories to horizontal banners — the font maintained a consistent tone and presence.
One thing I always check before using any font in ads is how it looks on mobile. Be Awesome Instead passed with flying colors. Even at 14px on a dark background, the characters were crisp and easy to read. This attention to detail matters more than you might think. If your ad copy isn’t immediately legible, it gets lost in the scroll.
Be Awesome Instead in Branded Templates and Content Series
A few weeks later, I was tasked with creating a template pack for a content creator who runs a weekly productivity series on YouTube. They wanted consistency in thumbnails and video titles. I suggested using Be Awesome Instead as the primary display font for all their thumbnails due to its balanced geometry and personality. The title cards and end screens followed suit, helping them maintain a unified brand identity across their content.
What stood out was how adaptable the font was across different visual treatments. Whether we were using solid color backgrounds or subtle textures, Be Awesome Instead retained its charm. Plus, the included alternates gave a little extra creative flexibility without making things too gimmicky. I could tweak certain letters for visual interest without sacrificing legibility — perfect for a content series aiming to feel professional yet personable.
When to Use Be Awesome Instead (And When Not To)
While Be Awesome Instead shines in many areas, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. This sans serif typeface works best for headlines, callouts, and display text. Its style doesn’t hold up well in long paragraphs or dense information blocks. I once tried using it in an email newsletter body and quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit — it lacked the subtlety needed for extended reading.
If you’re working on a campaign with lots of small text elements, such as footnotes or tiny labels, consider pairing it with a secondary font better suited for body copy. But if your focus is on impact — whether through a teaser graphic, a webinar banner, or a product launch post — Be Awesome Instead is a solid pick. Just make sure you check the available weights and file formats before finalizing your layout.
Font Pairing Tips for Maximum Visual Impact
To keep the design dynamic, I often pair Be Awesome Instead with a contrasting typeface. For the course launch, I went with a clean, geometric sans serif for supporting text, allowing the main header to take center stage. Another effective combo was matching it with a simple serif font in a blog-style promo graphic — the contrast added sophistication without clashing.
I’ve also experimented with script and handwritten fonts alongside Be Awesome Instead. The key is to use those more expressive styles sparingly and let the sans serif do most of the heavy lifting. For example, in a quote graphic promoting the course, I used a light script font for the author credit and Be Awesome Instead for the quote itself. It created a nice balance between creativity and clarity.
Checking Licensing and Multilingual Support
Before sending anything off to the client, I always double-check the font’s licensing terms. Be Awesome Instead is a commercial font, so it’s important to ensure the license covers all intended uses — especially if they plan to print merchandise or run international campaigns. I also confirmed that it supports multiple languages, which was crucial for their upcoming Spanish-speaking market push.
Having access to different weights and styles is another plus. You can create variations for different platforms and still stay on-brand. And with file formats like TTF and OTF included, integrating it into design tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva was seamless.
Final Takeaways from Real-World Use
Working with Be Awesome Instead has become part of my go-to strategy for campaigns that need a friendly yet polished vibe. Its sans serif nature keeps things modern, while the bookish undertones add a touch of thoughtfulness. From promotional graphics to social media templates, this font consistently elevates the visual storytelling without getting in the way.
If you're looking for a premium typeface that can handle a variety of campaign scenarios — especially where message clarity and brand warmth are priorities — Be Awesome Instead is worth a closer look. Just remember: it’s not for every situation, but when it’s right, it makes all the difference.
