This article focuses on using free dingbats creatively for graphic design and web design. You’ll see examples that are intended to inspire you. This article also contains a list of free dingbat resources.
Designing with Dingbats
Dingbats are specialty fonts that are made up of graphical elements sometimes called pictograms such as, arrows, bullets, faces, flowers, swirls, holiday elements and so much more.
If you are a Photoshop user, you have many options when it comes to finding free design elements to use in your graphics program. However, if you use a program such as Fireworks, Gimp, Ulead PhotoImpact or another less popular graphics program, the options are far more limiting. That’s where Dingbats come in handy!
Listed in this article are some resources for free dingbats. Install them as you would a new font and begin designing. Here are a few examples of how Dingbats can be used creatively.
YY Old English Font
In this example of YY Old English Font, I have used the letter “&” which is the fleur de lis.
The example shows the fleur de lis font size increased and colored. By erasing one of the fleur de lis, I have been able to create a tiled background.
This next example shows how this tiled background can be used as a backdrop for a website.
Whirlygigs
I used the capital “A” of the Whirlygigs font to create a wave-like border for my “pretend” ocean-side business. This element could easily be used in retro designs, fashion, music, comedy, and casual dining designs.
Cut-Outs for 3D FX
This was a set of two fonts packaged together. In this example I chose to use the capital “U”.
Don’t struggle trying to handcraft symbols anymore. Many popular symbols can be found in dingbats.
Curious Device
Did you know dingbats are great for logo design? In this next example I have created an “inspirational” logo using the capital “W” in Curious Device.
Marshmallow World
From Marshmallow World I used the capital “V”. If you ever need graphics to spice up a newsletter, dingbats will give you unlimited options. This snowflake could be a nice addition to any winter or holiday newsletter, business card, or website.
WWFreebie
I used the number 7 in WWFreebie to create interest in a merchandise coupon.
WC Rhesus A Bta Font
Paint splatters have been all the rage in web design for quite some time now. You’ll find many dingbat options available for paint splatter and ink drops. I put together a quick example of site that might use paint splatters. Thanks to Karinne Legault for use of her photography!
Free Dingbat Resources
I hope I’ve helped you see Dingbats as a useful tool for web and graphic design!
About The Author
Article By: Linda Chadbourne
Linda Chadbourne has been a web designer since 1998. A large portion of her day also involves graphic and logo design for Maine-ly Web Design which she owns and operates. Linda is also one of the co-founders of The Web Squeeze which is a Web Design and Development Help Forum. In her free time she is an avid family person, horseback rider and reader.
You can view other posts by Linda Chadbourne. Or you can visit Linda's website at: http://www.maine-lyweb.com/
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August 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Awesome! I’ve been using this method too. The great thing about it that most fonts are sizable to huge proportions without losing quality.
Try doing that with a stolen clipart .gif from Google images
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Great article Linda! Believe it or not, I never heard of Dingbats before, however, I might give them a try on my next website!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
So true Mark! Dingbats don’t lose quality for most projects!
August 10th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Indeed these are very helpful.. Thank you so much Linda!
August 11th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I agree! Dingbats are awesome and there are sooo many out there!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Again I have read a few contrary opinions to this, and overall this does seem to be the consensus .