This project was centered around the prompt “What do you find beauty in?”
We were asked to shoot two rolls of film with this question in mind and worked in groups of three. My group landed on the theme beauty in the mundane, which became the common thread connecting all of our images.
Once we shot images, we brainstormed what adjectives we wanted the book to embody based off what we captured as a group. The three words we chose were weathered, vibrant and alive.
From there we did mind maps to stimulate ideas and to broaden our thinking so that we could write copy and figure out a layout that could support what we wanted to convey through this book and how we perceived beauty as a group
After shooting imagines on film with our prompt and mind maps taken into consideration, we then began to lay out our flat plan for the pacing and layout of the book.
We wanted the photographs to feel central and immediate, so we designed layouts that alternated between quiet, reflective moments and spreads that encouraged more movement and image flipping.
To integrate a systems approach, color bars at the bottom of pages without full bleed images were included to indicate which group member shot each photograph, with a key at the beginning establishing this system.
Image shot by Avis Ayers
Image shot by Ellinor Edstrom
As a group, we collaboratively decided on the binding method (Japanese stab binding), typography, and layout system.
The copy consists of abstract, poetry like descriptions paired with song lyrics throughout the book, symbolizing the rhythm of daily life and the importance of noticing small moments.
For typography, we chose Adobe Garamond Pro and Futura PT for their understated, clean, and legible qualities, which supported the reflective tone without overpowering the imagery.
Takeaways
Overall, the process of this project was a meaningful learning experience. From navigating different workflows and work styles to aligning on a shared visual language, the project taught me a lot about collaboration and building a cohesive narrative as a team. Even though we began working individually, the final outcome feels unified, and I’m proud of what we created together with the help and input of my peers.
