Olivier Gourvat
Olivier Gourvat is a French type designer and graphic artist. He is the founder of Mostardesign Type Foundry, a studio specializing in typeface design.
After an initial career in graphic design, primarily in the publishing industry (with Dargaud and Chronicle Editions), he shifted his focus in the early 2000s to type design and abstract graphic design, establishing his own creative studio. His work, characterized by contemporary and functional typefaces, reflects a strong attention to detail and the needs of modern applications.
Some of his most notable creations include Sofia Pro, Filson Pro, Univia Pro, and Solena, all recognized internationally. These typefaces stand out for their clarity, versatility, and contemporary elegance, making them essential tools for designers and brands worldwide. Sofia Pro, his first major typeface, is a geometric sans-serif family that quickly gained popularity thanks to its friendly and versatile design. Over the years, it has been embraced by numerous renowned brands across diverse industries. From global icons like Pepsi, TikTok and Unilever to cultural institutions such as the Museum of Sydney and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Sofia Pro has left its mark.
Olivier’s typefaces have been embraced by major corporations and prestigious institutions, including Roberts Space Industries (Star Citizen), Tim Hortons, Best Buy, Warner Bros. (notably for the Harry Potter franchise), Brooks, Kantar, Wayfair, World Market, Blizzard, GKN Aerospace and more recently, the Walt Disney company.
He has also collaborated with companies such as Lyft Inc. in the United States and the National Bank of Liechtenstein, designing exclusive typefaces. One of his fonts was even used by French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon for his 2022 presidential campaign.
Blog
Reflexions about the new version of Sofia Pro
Over time, Sofia Pro has evolved far beyond my initial sketches. What began as a response to my own needs as a designer has become a clear voice for brands.
Sketching on Paper: A Key Step in Typography Design
In the digital age, we spend less and less time formalizing our ideas on paper. However, this stage is much more than just a step.
A Logo for Inclusion : Gregory Fisk and the Visual Identity of America Indivisible.
Some design projects using our Sofia Pro typeface are especially meaningful due to their significant impact on American society.
Interview at fontofu.com
I had the pleasure of participating in the « Paroles d’Expert » series on the Fonts of U blog, where I shared my journey as a type designer.