Camaleondesque
A Display Typeface
BACKGROUND
Camaleondesque is a modern display typeface inspired by Mario Bellini's iconic Camaleonda sofa from the 70's. His lounge piece is well-loved for its movable modules and detachable backrests and armrests. The Camaleonda is one of the sofas I’ve discovered while searching for a couch to fit the small flat I’m renting. Naturally, Bellini’s unconventional and modular design caught my attention.
THE CHALLENGE
How can you translate an iconic furniture design into a typeface?
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/b5958b98-12fe-42b4-b621-abfacab54fdd_rw_1920.jpg?h=1082508514ea338fb25f3a8557fc9b03)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/acc79281-a76b-49b2-967b-f39a05f5f3c9_rw_1920.jpg?h=edf54ce3e5657b2fc4cdd4bbc095d0ce)
Modular construction
To mimic the sofa’s modular configuration, the typeface is built on a 1:1 grid system that moves around, rotates, and combines similar shapes to reflect top-view silhouettes of the sofa into the letterforms.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/5571f024-2407-4372-b6d1-67dc5600085d_rw_1920.jpg?h=ec3367f138734a317584405680f7ffb2)
Soft and structured
The soft corners and button tufting are translated into each letter to give off the soft and comfy look the Camaleonda exudes. However, the cloud-like appearance is controlled by giving the shapes just enough structure to resemble to sofa’s framework.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/ae2e7381-c4b0-4904-8d1d-42349f5eae4c_rw_1920.jpg?h=3d659c13e10ce34f2866a2cea233ed4e)
For bold statements
This modular typeface was built for headlines, posters, merchandise, and statement pieces. Stacked, patterned, hero, or background—Camaleondesque can give any design the punch it needs.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/2682f512-ecae-4c0b-bc41-e37c9708c49a_rw_1200.jpg?h=c865afd5e5803162a22030ed5eefbcb2)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/89b82925-e3dc-4b70-9e21-148f557e3e75_rw_1200.jpg?h=43b5e6462ce683221fe0072edde3dfcf)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/44cdfdaa-2902-4d14-8b0c-0b55ad34391c_rw_1200.jpg?h=faf210bb3c64f244ec0c65ca754b5c47)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/ad0526b7-d8b3-461e-a45b-66d0ac66e598_rw_1200.jpg?h=5045146783bd86b4ba54cb07b0ea0033)
Download Camaleondesque Display at Type Department
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/37b8db82-175b-4ab8-8c28-2f96c8fd3bee/1573244d-4cf4-46b7-910a-4714ed0ff584_rw_1920.jpg?h=fb9d9be29dfdbdd43fab9f1b50c645fb)
Services: Type Design, Typography, Graphic Design
Year: 2022