Álvaro has designed type since 2013. A graphic design graduate of ESDI (Rio de Janeiro), he worked at Hipertipo and Dalton Maag before completing Typeface Design masters degrees in Barcelona and Antwerp.

Over his six years as Type Director at Vasava Studio in Barcelona, Álvaro has gained a unique insight into typography’s role in branding, having created custom fonts that reinforce brand values and push design systems to new highs.

Franca has designed typefaces for major brands including UEFA Champions League, KFC, Atlético de Madrid and HBO Max. His work has been recognised by the TDC, the Latin American Design Awards, Print Magazine and more. He founded Naipe Foundry in 2018.