Design Process:

The foundation of the design involved a rigorous synthesis of the texts to establish a clear hierarchy and identify critical callouts. To visually mirror the authors’ conflicting views on design as aesthetic versus utilitarian, I paired a highly decorative script and classic serif with a heavy, blocky sans-serif for the body copy and subtitles. When introducing my opposing viewpoints, the script abruptly transitions to an assertive, all-caps marker font, visually signaling a distinct ideological break. These typographic pairings, along with customized illustrations and the occasional organic layout, were meticulously anchored within a strict underlying grid. Every physical detail was deeply considered, from sourcing specific textured paper to formatting custom signature layouts in InDesign for print production.

Result:

Through expressive typography and an exposed coptic stitch, the 96-page book serves as a tactile artifact that sparks thought-provoking discourse on the true purpose of design. The final hardcover book measures 7”x7” and seamlessly merges conceptual depth with meticulous physical craftsmanship. Hand-bound with an exposed coptic stitch, the vibrant orange thread provides a functional lay-flat experience while serving as the project's central metaphor, literally and figuratively tying the differing "common threads" into one cohesive, harmonious narrative.