From labaki studio:

To design and create Kahaw Gelato’s identity, we brought flavors to life, imagining them as characters with distinct personalities. “Strawberry Fizz” is bright, “Tiramisu Magic” is alluring, “Dark Chocolate” is seductive – each flavor crafted to feel friendly and relatable, sparking connections and smiles.

The identity is built around a carefully curated typographic system that enhances this storytelling. Beatrice Display by Sharp Type, with its elegant contrast and refined details, evokes the richness and indulgence of Kahaw. Güggeli by Fabio Biesel introduces a playful contrast, adding character and charm, while Aeonik from CoType provides a neutral, structured balance, ensuring clarity and simplicity.

From naming the flavors to designing the packaging and establishing the overall art direction, Labaki Studio shaped every detail, crafting a cohesive and immersive brand experience for the tastiest gelato in Lebanon.

Located in Beirut, Lebanon, Nation Station stands as a testament to resilience and unity. Originally an abandoned gas station, it was transformed after the tragic Beirut blast into a community kitchen that nourishes and supports residents in need. It invites everyone to participate, whether by volunteering in the kitchen or helping with meal preparation, fostering a welcoming environment for all community members.

The branding embodies these core values through thoughtful typographic choices that leverage local Arabic elements. The incorporation of the kashida—a typographic elongation of characters—alongside the Inline Arabic typeface by Arabic Typography, ensures a sense of unity and inclusiveness. These decisions not only enhance the visual identity but also reflect the collaborative spirit that defines Nation Station. In the logo, it is paired with Aeonik from CoType.

This is further maintained through the use of both Arabic and Latin scripts. Gawhar, designed by Heheh Type, was selected as the secondary Arabic typeface for its readability across various platforms and sizes. The pairing with the dashing and elongated Formula from Pangram Pangram introduces a dynamic interplay between x-heights. This contrast creates a visual balance and a sense of aliveness in the identity. Each language and script contributes uniquely to the branding, adding depth and character.

Bridging these distinct typefaces – differing in language, script, proportions, and style – symbolizes the cohesion and collaboration at Nation Station. This typographic strategy, complemented by the use of contrasting colors, underscores the message of unity in diversity.

Unrealized rebranding proposal for Les Merveilles de la Mer (The Wonders of the Sea), a maritime museum in Beirut, Lebanon that displays a vast range of aquatic animals, historical diving and sailing equipment.

The logotype is set in Minérale by 205TF. Seen from a distance, the breaks in the typeface make the logo look distorted by refracting light and the letters seem to be immersed in the sea, setting an underwater feel. This impression is reinforced by the use Kanit by Cadson Demak, a typeface with support for Thai and Latin scripts. The organic curves in the font mirror a seahorse’s tail or an undulating seaweed.

The museum’s signage is based on Minérale’s extensive glyph set. Several shapes have been used to create symbols that allude to the gallery’s contents: the diamond shape – a grain of salt – indicates the saltwater aquariums; the semicircles point to the invertebrate display.

A template has been created for the temporary exhibition’s posters. Each would have its title set in a typeface matching its theme. For instance, the eerie blackletter Respira Black (slighty modified) by Sharp Type introduces the collection of immortal and deadly jellyfish, whereas the organic stencil Saint George by Triple Double Type is used to promote coral reef aquariums. Rasmus by New Letters appears for an exhibition about poisonous fish.

It is worth mentioning that red and yellow are rare in the palette as these colors are invisible in deep waters.

Business cards

Indoor signage

Jellyfish exhibition poster

Poisonous fish exhibition poster

Coral reef exhibition poster

érographie is a crowd-sourced campaign inviting participants to draw letters or other glyphs during an orgasm and submit the results. They will later be turned into a digital typeface.

This “awkward” demand requires an equally atypical identity. Hence the choice of Jons Hair by Napoleon Typefaces for the logotype. With its expanded width, uneven strokes and strong contrast, the typeface captivates the eye, and incites the viewer to look further. The experimental vibe it emits mimics that of the project.

It was paired with Untitled Sans by Klim Type Foundry, a neutral and clear font that makes the instructions on the card and website easy to read and allows the logo to stand out. In this context, Jons Hair and Untitled Sans blend awkwardness with clarity and legibility.

Visit érographie to know more about the campaign or submit your image.

Campaign cards. These cards were distributed to passersby inviting them to participate to the typeface.

Instructions in English and French.