Fontanatype is an independent digital type foundry founded in 1999 in Szeged, Hungary, dedicated to the development of contemporary type systems rooted in historical awareness and cultural continuity. Inspired by the legacy of Central European typographic traditions and figures such as Misztótfalusi Kis Nicholas, Fontanatype approaches type design as a living discipline — where letters are not static artefacts, but dynamic tools shaped by history, culture, and use.

Led by type designer Amondó Szegi, the foundry’s work bridges historical reference and contemporary practice, translating rhythm, structure, and typographic intelligence into usable, modern type families. Rather than creating literal revivals, Fontanatype reinterprets historical forms through a contemporary lens, building systems that respect tradition while speaking a current visual language.

Fontanatype’s design philosophy is grounded in the belief that typography is both craft and culture: a discipline that requires structural knowledge, artistic sensitivity, and long-term thinking. Its typefaces are developed for real-world use — from editorial and publishing environments to expressive visual communication — always balancing functionality with character.

Recent projects explore this philosophy through historically informed yet forward-looking type systems, where clarity, warmth, and structure coexist with conceptual depth and visual presence.

Selected releases are published on MyFonts under the Monovo label.

What is the MONOVO?

MONOVO is the conceptual type universe of Amondó Szegi, type designer. educator at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME), Budapest, and founder of Fontanatype — Hungary’s first internationally recognized digital type foundry, established in 1999.

With over 25 years of practice, Szegi’s typefaces have been distributed through T-26 (where several designs achieved bestseller status), P22/IHOF, and The Type Foundry. Canva has licensed Crave Neue work and continues to serve editorial design, brand identity, and cultural projects internationally.

Fontanatype bridges historical reference and contemporary practice, translating rhythm, structure, and typographic intelligence into usable type systems that honor tradition without replicating it. MONOVO builds on this legacy through a focused, conceptual lens. It reflects the belief that letterforms are not static artefacts but dynamic tools of communication — shaped by history, culture, and practical use, from editorial text to expressive design.

Inspired by both the long lineage of typographic forms and the playful challenge of breaking rules with intention, Monovo creates flat, iconic, and versatile typefaces that speak with clarity, warmth, and purpose. Through MONOVO, Szegi continues to explore appropriation, revival, and reinterpretation — treating letters as conceptual ready-made objects while expanding the creative possibilities of type for contemporary design.