In this project, I designed a Typographic Booklet highlighting the article “Do You Want Typography or Do You Want the Truth?” written by Erik Carter. The challenge that needed to be addressed through this project was to create a cohesive piece that contains an effective use of typographic principles to create a visually appealing and stimulating experience for the reader as they absorb the content of the article.

At the beginning of this process, I began to engage with this article through an organizational lens by taking notice of the structure of the article, as well as the significance of each image to each section. I developed a clearer sense of how I wanted to break up the content of the article and what I felt should be emphasized once I began designing. 

As I entered my first stage of the design process, the main challenge that I addressed within the iterations I created addressed stylistic choices that fit the context of the content and images. I prioritized choosing typefaces that compliment each other, and I centered that decision around my main header, which was in Aktiv Grotesk Ex. The sans serif felt rounded and wide and I believe that added intrigue stylistically, which was emphasized by the scale and placement on the page.

In my final stage, cohesiveness and composition became one of my main priorities. As I moved images and text, I used negative space to my advantage more often throughout the booklet to draw attention to and exaggerate important areas of the booklet. I completely changed my body text typeface from Le Monde Livre to Bagatela which complimented the x-height of Aktiv Grotesk more effectively, especially with increased leading. Another common theme in my booklet is alternating left and right column alignment in order to create movement within the booklet that the reader could follow along with comfortably.

This design’s effectiveness can be assessed through readability of the content, and because clarity and movement was prioritized throughout this design process, I believe this booklet succeeded in creating a comfortable viewing experience for the reader.

Utilizing each design principle with intention grew my knowledge as a designer through the way it emphasized how important each individual factor on a single page of a booklet can contribute to the entire message you are trying to display. For this reason, I’ll always prioritize guiding movement and clear placement of the required elements so that my overall message doesn’t get lost within my work.