A long text booklet that explores the history and structure of the letter “I” through a beautiful and simple theme. I chose to focus on the forms of the letter “I” and the different ways it can be used. Each section has a different main typeface, showing the versatility of the letter.
Final Deliverables
Historical Development
Form and Structure
Corporate Identity
Modern Day Use
Process
Initial Sketches
My goal was to create a booklet that could combine type as image and body type together. I began sketching layouts that would have a large “I” to ground the page and body text around it. Eventually, I got the idea of a square book. I thought that it could be interesting to play with a layout I had never done before.
Initial Digital Concepts
I decided to translate 3 of my sketches into a digital format to see how they would look. The first two began to look more like a textbook, but I loved how the third layout was turning out. The “I” with a cut out in the middle for the subtitles were an idea that I gravitated towards. I thought a simple colour palette and style would be good for consistency as well.
The Plan
Use a different typeface for each section. The first would be serif, the second would be sans serif, the third would be script and the fourth would be an upper case sans serif. Along with the subtitles being different, I also decided to create a graphic out of the typefaces I was using for each section to fill the empty spaces. Finally, I would alternate between red and white pages to create interest. I used a 3 column grid throughout, but would alternate between how many columns there for variety.
What I learned
Consistency is key
…especially in book design. I kept things consistent by using the same colour palette throughout, a grid, similar layouts for each section and the same body typeface.
Keep it simple
…to be clear with your design intent. Even though the layout I chose was simple and repetitive, it was very clear in conveying its message and had a specific aesthetic that it stuck to.
Add your own spin
I was able to make it interesting by using a different typeface for each section. The square format stands out from other booklets as well. These small touches made the biggest difference.
