Book Design MA

In the past few weeks I started my MA in Book Design at Reading, which at times feels like both the best and stupidest decision I've ever made. There have been some really exciting lectures so far including some from Michael Tywman who, every Monday, delves into the typographic archives and brings some amazing gems to share and talk about. I snapped a few photos from the first lecture which in no way do the ephemera justice but you sort of get the idea. Oh, and on Thursday's we hit up the Museum of English Rural Life to touch books which are centuries old,  how cool is that? I was having a little read of Euclid's The Elements this past week. Aside from the historical mind-blow there's two projects on the go too, one called Complex Text, where amongst other books we have typeset War and Peace (yes, actually War and Peace). As well as a Book Jacket project with Fraser Muggeridge and David Pearson: which should be good fun. All in all a very busy few weeks ahead and equally busy year overall for this MA.

Degree Show

My final year has well truly finished.  Here are a few photos from my stand and final show.  It's been a fantastic experience overall and some really insightful conversations about work with both industry professionals and fellow students alike.  To top it all off,  my work was spotted at the show by Creative Review.

It's a really exciting time right now and  I can't wait to get started.

The Open Quote Initiative

A little snapshot of my current project focusing on the under representation of women in design. The Open Quote Initiative aims to create a discourse within the design community, capturing some existing conversations already occurring in our industry on the gender disparty.

Each pull quote from the book has a corresponding number which links to The Open Quote Initiative Forum where the debate continues and provides a platform for designers and thinkers to further engage in the issues highlighted.

The book is set in Mrs Eaves, a typeface which pays homage to one of the many women in typographic history. 

Perfume Packaging

Finalised packaging for the D&AD brief which asked to re-envisage  traditional perfume  packaging with a more contemporary feel.

Packaging

I recently collaborated with a product designer, Rebecca Penning, in response to a packaging brief. The concept was based on core emotions and uniting modernity with craft.

A Book for Two

In 21st Century we share everything from tweeting our train journeys to Instagramming our lunch, yet one thing which remains a solitary experience is reading. A Book for Two is a book which you cannot read alone, everything from size, format to content and typography is made for sharing. (This was a Uni project for ISTD.)

Where are all the women?!

For my dissertation I'm asking "Are women underrepresented within the design industry?" I've found that has suddenly become a little project which is about more than just hitting the word count. Below are some first prototypes of  a booklet/leaflet I've been working on in relation to this. It asks questions, it has some odd type and it wants to change the world.

Brand Guidelines

Brand Guidelines book for Aventyr

My current project at Uni is to brand an Eco budget Travel Company. Aventyr is a Swedish travel company which provides gap year packages to students. Here's a snapshot of the website, more to follow soon.

The Print Revolution/Rave Craft Soc

Kick starting Rave Craft Soc (www.facebook.com/ravecraftsoc). This also gives me a great chance to get on that 'mac-less' project. (http://cargocollective.com/soofiya#2476443/The-Print-Revolution) We're currently working up our manifesto. Bring back print! Disclaimer: This society is mostly about going to type setting, booking binding, letterpress courses and some nice hand crafted design. However, feel free to 'fight the power' alongside this crafted based goodness.

Cycle App

Current Uni Project, designing an infographic based app for a student commuter.

Current Uni Project

I will eventually get around to posting up projects, it's on the to-do-list. However, until then here are a couple of web banners I worked up for ravesu.co.uk. Meanwhile, I thoroughly recommend checking out: ravesu.co.uk, facebook.com/ravesu and @Rave_SU

I currently have a handful of a graphics projects underway. I'm hoping to post up a few snapshots in the near future so keep an eye on here. Meanwhile, check out ravesu.co.uk (some of my graphics stuff is hanging about there) and below are my thoughts on the use of Arial in public places.