: What's the correct use of commas for ALL CAPS title? I'm working on a an ad for my company. The company name, when typed out, is in all caps. I work for a law firm, so the company name

@Kaufman565

Interesting debate here. My opinion is that it's subjective. If you can subtract the comma and it doesn't confuse the subject, then subtract it. Punctuation, though grammatically correct, can and does add visual confusion to a design. Design text runs the gamut and depending on the era, use of punctuation changes. From the 1940s to 60s, before design became a widespread academic study, punctuation was often added or subtracted for impact purposes. Impact still has importance today, as well, and ultimately, that's what matters... does the design lose it's impact value with the comma in place? The last thing you want your design to appear as is didactic and texty. Words in design get treated, in equal parts, like images. They are images. The whole composition is an image. The fine artist, Barbara Kruger made a career out of eliminating punctuation and superimposing bold text on top of evocative images. Her influence on graphic design, photography and fine art painting is unquestionable and profound. Nobody criticized her for eliminating commas, periods, etc.

For you, however... If you're going to subtract the comma, also subtract the "&" - SMITH JOHNSON BROWN, PLC

I shop therefore I am: Correct grammar... "I shop, therefore I am."

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@Lengel450

This is not an industry standard rule, in fact it goes against the rules of correct punctuation.

However it may be a brand rule. These may override even the laws of physics. Just kidding, not physics, but grammar and punctuation certainly.

Try and ascertain if this is an established brand rule. It sounds as though it is, especially if the instructions came from the previous designer.

Again, not an industry standard, but potentially a company standard.

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