Creating with Paint, 1967, with illustrations by Peter Landa

Can you bear more Caruso Roxy? Here’s another Use of it – it’ll be the last one from my side for a while, promised.

It’s my personal favorite: a series of creative activity books, authored by Grace Mintonye and James E. Seidelman and published by Crowell-Collier Press in New York from 1967 on. The titles pair all-caps Roxy with lowercase Barclay, and are embedded in gorgeous, topical jacket designs. The interiors – not shown here – are beautifully designed, too. If you’re into crafts and/or this mid-century aesthetic, make sure to browse your thrift store for a copy.

Creating Mosaics, 1967 (second printing from 1969), with illustrations by Harriet Sherman

Creating with Paper, 1967, with illustrations by Marjorie Borgos Blumenkopf

Creating with Clay, 1967 (second printing from 1970), with illustrations by Robert William Hinds

Creating with Wood, 1969, with illustrations by Lynn Sweat

Creating with Papiermache, 1971, with illustrations by Christine Randall. This title uses the Light weight of Roxy.

Shopping Cart Art, 1970, with illustrations by Kaye Sherry. This one was handled differently, probably because of the longer title: caps from Roxy Light are paired with lowercase letters from Gonzales El Royal. The “Creating” part was dropped as well.

The concept for the restaurant is inspired by the golden years of New York’s Little Italy – a timeless melting pot of old and new, where classic dishes are constantly reinvented and brought to new life. The name Ciccio’s is derived from Italian and means “chubby boy” in the most tender way. It symbolizes a lust for all the good things in life.

The logotype, typography and colours represent the combination of the traditional Italian and the urban New York. The carefully selected interior details and the solid materials, together with a true to concept identity, have created an authentic atmosphere that will age beautifully for generations to come.

Mozaika Bratislavy: skryté dlažby a obklady (“Discovering Bratislava's Hidden Tiles: A Photographic Journey”) is a comprehensive 455-page book (16×23,5×3,5 cm) showcasing a unique collection of tiles from various districts such as the Old Town, Palisády, and Blumentál. The book was published by Čierne diery:

Over three years, the authors gained exclusive access to the typically closed gates of houses, capturing several hundred stunning tiles. Alongside vivid photographs, the book delves into historical narratives, offering insights into the lives of individuals who traversed these pavements a century ago.

The book uses Neureal by Laura Csocsán for headlines. The typeface used for body text is yet to be identified [it’s Murtaugh Condensed, see comments].

The book was initiated by Julia Itin and Štefan Cipár, and features texts by Julia Itin, Martin Lipták, Peter Kršák and Jana Švantnerová, and photographs by Štefan Cipár.

Florentine is an Italian restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, created by Urban Italian Group. We started the branding design by imagining Florentine as a woman from Florence who picks her own produce and local wine as a way to communicate the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The logo design is set with a bold typeface to match the retro feel of the interior, and has alternative versions for use on different mediums.

Our type choice for the main logo was Cubano to start out a bold identity, which was useful on the custom designed mosaic on the entrance. The branding is completed with Geomanist on the menu and hoarding designs. We used Carnaby Street (Beasts of England) typeface on menu and website titles to complement the word mark.

We are seeing illustrations of Florentine in a subtle way through the branding, trying out pasta, having a spoon of tiramisu and making Italian hand gestures, which added a playful feel to the brand and made it more inviting and approachable. We've created animations, such as clinking glasses and champagne towers to showcase the fun atmosphere of Florentine Trattoria. Using these on social media and web design to help catch the eye of the new customers and promote the restaurant's unique personality. The color palette inspired by the south of Italy was our choice to convey the warmth and richness of Italian cuisine.

For the fourth time in one year, I've created a temporary sign for the local café Le Liber'thés in Blois, France.

After a first one using Banco and a green gradient (see bottom), for this one I’ve adapted Bild from the Font of the Month Club (DJR). I also tried to execute a reversed Touriga Casual lettering (designed by Fernando Mello) at the top and the bottom of the sign. And as I have a sort of freedom (“Liberté” in French, hence the name of the place), or ‘carte blanche’, I've also tested two colors combinations.

Definitly not a perfect hand painted sign (no sharp corners, many wonky shapes, etc.), but just a way of practice and try some ideas and see the reactions.

The mosaic on the lettering is (not changed every quarter of course) is modeled after Blippo Black.

Plain view of the main window. Red over white shadow.

The second window on the left side of the café. With a missing leg on the R...

The spring sign, made in April 2022, and using Banco in a green gradient.

Blue Park Kitchen is a healthy fast casual restaurant located in New York City. Inspired by New York City parks, historic monuments and subway mosaics, Blue Park's rebrand by Hungry Studio aims to bring the inviting nature of Prospect Park to the lunch table.

The typefaces for the menu artwork include modified Worthington Arcade, Arquitecta and Gin. On the menu, information is set in Franklin Gothic and Miller, using Clearface Gothic for headlines.

American rapper Wiz Khalifa’s latest release, an EP titled The Saga Of Wiz Khalifa, features JAF Herb on its album cover.

This book presents the first comprehensive study of Soviet monumental mosaics, outstanding artefacts of the cultural heritage of the era.

More info at Osnovy Publishing.

Mosaic lettering at La Monumental, a former bullfighting arena in Barcelona.

My favourite ever use of Arial, in the pedestrian tunnel connecting Saint-Augustin and Saint-Lazare.

“Predators and Prey” — the Lod mosaic that was accidentally discovered in 1996 in Israel is currently on display at Altes Museum, Berlin.

Poster by allstars design. See also Polyform’s work for the Museumsinsel.

Detail from the flyer