Written in Fear: The Psychology Behind My Title Design

When designing the title for my film opening, I knew the font had to set the tone immediately. Psychological horror isn’t just about jump scares, it’s about unsettling the audience from the start. Everything, from the cinematography to the tiniest details in typography, creates that eerie, disturbing vibe. That’s why I spent a ridiculous amount of time experimenting with different fonts until I landed on Nanum Brush Script.

Why Nanum Brush Script?

I needed something that looked off—something that felt messy, unpolished, almost handwritten, but in a way that screamed unease rather than warmth. Nanum Brush Script does exactly that. The rough, jagged strokes make it feel unstable, like it was scratched onto the screen rather than typed. It has that perfect mix of chaos and intention, which fits the psychological horror theme of my film. The letters almost look like they were written in desperation—like someone scrawled them in a panic.

The Color Choice: Red for Death

The title of my film opening is Till Death Do Us Part, but I decided to highlight Death in red. Why? Because red is the color of danger, blood, and psychological intensity. In horror, red instantly triggers feelings of fear and urgency. By isolating Death in red, I’m making sure the audience's eyes land right on it. It’s a subtle way of saying, “This is what matters. This is what’s coming.” The rest of the title will be in white, which creates a stark contrast—almost like a warning sign.

How It Ties Into the Film

Nanum Brush Script makes it feel personal, like the words were scratched out by someone unraveling. It’s not just about looking creepy—it’s about making the audience feel the unease before the film even begins. Combined with the red in Death, the title becomes more than just words—it sets the tone for everything that follows.

In horror, every detail matters. The right font and colors can make something as simple as a title feel disturbing before a single frame of the film plays. And that’s exactly the kind of psychological effect I want.