# Masterful Mechanized Typography Riccardo Sabatini's 'Mekkanika' is Made of Gears and Gadgets By Jason Soy | Published 2011-11-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mekkanika References: [ufunk.net](http://www.ufunk.net/en/illustration/mekkanika-la-typo-mecanique-par-riccardo-sabatini/) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/MEKKANIKA/2335016) Typeface creation may be a dying art, but if individuals like Riccardo Sabatini, with his unique [mechanical font](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/times-new-ramen) 'Mekkanika', continue to inspire up-and-coming artists, it won't be long before everyone jumps on the [typeface-making bandwagon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gothic-font-generator1). There is definitely an undeniable beauty to the Mekkanika typeface. Merging the sleekness and complexity of olden day technical drawings with modern day gadgetry and adding just a hint of the ever popular [steampunk look](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mdr-dasher-keyboard), Sabatini forms these intricate letters that viewers are tempted to build into real-life mechanisms. Sabatini also cleverly recycles certain parts within Mekkanika to ensure that the typeface is aesthetically unified. It may not be a practical typeface for everyday usage, but I bet that printing out these letters and spelling out a person's name would be a pretty nifty gift idea for techies and gear heads. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mechanical Typeface:** The creation of unique mechanical fonts like 'Mekkanika' opens up opportunities for innovative design and branding solutions with a mechanical aesthetic. - **Steampunk-inspired Design:** The incorporation of steampunk elements in typography introduces a disruptive innovation opportunity for industries looking to appeal to a nostalgic and alternative aesthetic. - **Recycled Materials in Design:** The use of recycled parts in the creation of typefaces not only brings an environmentally friendly aspect but also offers opportunities for sustainable and upcycled design practices. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Graphic Design:** Graphic designers can leverage mechanical typefaces like 'Mekkanika' to create visually striking and unique designs for various projects and campaigns. - **Marketing and Advertising:** The incorporation of steampunk-inspired typography can provide marketing and advertising agencies with a disruptive approach to branding and storytelling, capturing the attention of a niche audience. - **Sustainable Design:** The use of recycled materials in typeface creation presents an opportunity for the sustainable design industry to explore innovative eco-friendly solutions and promote conscious consumption. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Functional Block Brick Typewriters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-typewriter.md) - [Modular Typography Stamp Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockface.md) - [Kinetic Art Wristwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/type-8-daniel-engelberg.md) - [Mechanical Digital Mesmerizing Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock.md) - [Graphic Art-Inspired Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/type-1-round-m.md) - [Typography-Inspired Lifestyle Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-industries.md) - [Incredibly Elegant Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elegant-keyboard.md) - [DIY Wooden Watchmaking Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tfo-clockwork.md) - [Dynamic Typeface-Like Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orma-chair.md)