Differing from Carambaia’s regular editions–where each book receives an exclusive design and is released in limited print runs–the Acervo Series was conceived as a unified “archive” capable of bringing the publishing house’s titles together under a single visual identity. The project aims to reach a broader audience with more accessible prices, while preserving the publisher’s characteristic refinement.

The project’s starting points were neutrality and cost-efficiency, combined with the need to build a strong visual identity that would highlight traditional bookmaking elements such as the cataloging-in-publication (CIP) data and the ribbon bookmark. Placing the CIP data on the cover, besides breaking with convention, reinforces the collection’s catalog-like character. In this space, information that typically appears in secondary positions–such as translator, original language, ISBN, and publication date–is presented alongside the title and author’s name, granting all these elements equal graphic importance and strengthening the collective structure that defines the series.

Another distinctive feature is the silver ribbon bookmark, traditionally associated with hardcover books. Its use in paperback bindings required research and the development of specific technical solutions, as it is a rare feature for this type of format. The collection’s vertical logo is printed on the ribbon, ensuring the visual identity’s presence in a discreet and elegant way. This same logo appears on the inside cover as a silver-printed pattern–a color chosen to replace white. The decision for this special ink came from the possibility of offset printing on black paper, a feature that was later incorporated into the collection’s visual system.

For the typesetting, the typeface family chosen was Untitled, offering both serif and sans-serif versions. As its name suggests, the typeface is based on the principles of neutrality and functionality–essential qualities to the Acervo concept.

The layout solution for the book’s interior also adopts an economical format, with three text area variations that can be selected according to the length and nature of each text–a strategy that optimizes layout production without compromising the design. Finally, with everyday handling and durability in mind, the covers are made with black paper stock, ensuring resilience, flexibility, and a refined tactile experience.

Acervo Series
Carambaia, 2018
Photos: Nino Andrés

Type Directors Club New York – TDC 65 [certificate of typographic excellence, 2019]