Image Source

Disney lettering is a homogenous typeset of an open-source font designed by Justin Callaghan, popularly known as Waltograph. The typeset boasts of different versions, many of them fall under the initial subject ‘Walt Disney Script.’ 

Origins

Walt Disney’s autograph is renowned for its exquisite style. Disney Company’s logo was derived from its founder’s signature and is equally appealing. This typeset was first put to use for the company’s logo in 1985 but was released to the public only in 2000. It did undergo many upgrades and changes and earned the name Waltograph in 2004. 

The font ‘Walt Disney Script’ is a clever derivation from the font used in the company’s logo and has earned the name Disney lettering over the years. An amusing fact is that the Walt Disney Company is not affiliated with this open-source project. Despite the fact, the company has employed the font on numerous instances but has never endorsed it. 

Is Disney Lettering Popular?

It is mentioned above that the Disney Company has used these open source fonts on many occasions but has no affiliations nor endorsed it. What is more proof needed for its popularity? 

Disney Company’s branding was a natural process that reached its present state through many fantasy films, theme parks, and animations. Most of us grew up with a fascinating attachment to the Disney themes that the mere mention of the company gushes in nostalgia even in adulthood. This influence has transcended into many segments, with the designing sphere being the most affected. The art and science of typography had a natural inclination towards the genre that several fonts classified under the Disney lettering boomed for popular use. 

Numerous Popular Disney Lettering

Disney fonts are so popular that most of the typing and designing programs allow the use in their applications. Disney fonts can be used in the following programs:

i. Powerpoint.

ii. Microsoft Word.

iii. Adobe Photoshop.

iv. Adobe Illustrator.

v. Sketch.

vi. Windows Moviemaker.

The software is numerous to include on this page, but the adaptability of Disney lettering to such programs itself is proof of its popularity. 

The Most Powerful Brand In The World

Brand Finance is a London based independent consultancy that has been evaluating global brands for decades. In 2016 Brand Finance denominated Disney as the globe’s most powerful brand from among thousands of international players. The strategy consultancy itself credited the achievement to Disney’s bona fide designs and profuse track record. Brand finance also attributed the acquisitions of many other strong brands by the Disney company for its present composure. Some such Disney acquisitions include: 

i. Pixar.

ii. Marvel.

iii. ESPN.

iv. Lucasfilm. 

The extravagant release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ played a great role in propelling Disney to the top position. 

All these powerful brands own unique themes and logos having distinguishable typesets. They, too, become associated with Disney lettering, which in turn accelerates the popularity of the fonts. 

Let us now have a look at some numerous Disney fonts. All of them are free.

The Mouse Memoir Font

It is an easy guess that the name comes from none other than our childhood friend Mickey Mouse. This larger than life cartoon character boosted the Disney brand as a family name. The attraction of the font is its mischievous but daring looks. Disney enthusiasts believe that the font takes inspiration from other animations and characters as well. They include:

i. Donald Duck.

ii. Goofy.

iii. Uncle Scrooge.

iv. Steamboat Willie.

It is interesting to note that all of them appeared in the series published in 1950.

Mickey Ears

Who can ever fail to recognize the rotund caricature even in a dream? Mickey Mouse’s signature characteristic is his ears. The font pays tribute to the world’s most celebrated mouse with its wide and conspicuous design that represents Mickey’s ears. This Disney lettering is a common site at Disney-themed events. Can such an evocative font ever come down on its popularity? 

Malefic

Image Source

Will you ever forget the villainous-looking fairy Maleficent from the 2014 fantasy film? The font takes its name after the leading character Maleficent played by Angelina Jolie. This design is thin and razor-sharp, resembling the portrayal of the principal character and the look of the film’s logo. The elegant Disney lettering has pointed fringes to resemble the barbed helmet that is the trademark of Angelina Jolie throughout the film. 

This typeset is much favored by many music bands and fan followings of sports clubs. Since the release of the film, this was the favorite font of many Halloween parties. 

Waltograph

It all started with this, and we too began this article by acknowledging the great personality. Needless to say, there is no further explanation required to elaborate on the popularity of the Disney lettering known as Waltograph. It is the original font of the Walt Disney logo and the model blueprint for all fonts coming under the family. Its uniqueness is in the smooth arcs and unbroken and wide curves. If you use this font in a document, its sophistication will get enhanced. 

AL Cinderella

No fantasy house or collection of fairy tales is complete without mentioning Cinderella and her slipper. The 2015 adaptation of the 1950 animated film Cinderella was co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The fantasy film starred Lily James as Cinderella and became a global super hit. So it is no coincidence that a font created to pay tribute to the timeless classic became very popular like the film. This Disney lettering is very elegant and exudes class. It reminds us of the coronet and flowing dress that Cinderella wore to the royal ball. The greatest attraction of the font is the outline of Cinderella herself in the background. 

The peak in the popularity of Disney fonts since 2015 can blindly be attributed to AL Cinderella

All That Is Free Is Not As Popular

There are many open-source programs available that cater to many segments but not all of them are popular. The popularity of Disney lettering has nothing to do with its use being free. In the first place, developers capitalized on the brand image of Disney to bring out fonts themed with their much-admired characters. The strength of the brand provided fuel to the popularity of these typesets.