In Layers
Thoughts on Thesis
Initial Thoughts
When I was first given this project, I was tempted to explore more about Asian American identity. But after thinking about the topic, I felt that I didn’t know how much more I can say about this topic. I felt that I’ve analyzed my culture and my identity over time and time again. So I decided to look more broadly instead and analyzed my identity with a macro lens. I became interested in how my identity was formed instead of what my identity is. One way to look at it was by examining different methods of how I learn. I began to ask:
- How do I take in new information?
- What are the steps I take to learn a new skill?
- What are the types of resources I gravitate towards?
- Am I a visual learner?
- How do the five senses influence my learning? How do texture and sound play a role?
I began to look more deeply into how I became a graphic designer, more specifically, the transition from fine art to graphic design. As I look back on my semester’s work (and work throughout the years), I liked to have a blend between analog and digital work. There have been times that my design work would lean towards analog. This semester, my goal was to find the middle ground between digital and analog. I explore these two topics by layering my design and focusing on the craftsmanship of my work. Therefore, my Thoughts on Thesis became a synthesis of methodologies of how I learn, topics I’m interested in, and pushing the boundary between the analog and the digital. I expressed this idea by experimenting with different materials, playing with textures, and coming up with multiple iterations of layering. Through layering, I experimented with the Risograph, different types of paper, paper trimming, typography pairings, and type on transparent paper.
Design system
Typography — I mixed a script type called Compendium because it replicated the traditional calligraphy writing and a sans serif type called Acumin Pro that replicated the digital, modern lettering.
Risograph — Throughout the semester, I was interested in working with different types of letterforms. I replicated the letterform by hand drawing them to further explore the characteristics of the letters. I tried to replicate the letters in Compendium and used the drawings as master copies for the risograph machine. Then, I printed them on laser prints.
Vellum — I wanted to integrate the research post into my lexicon to add a new layer of meaning to each letter. For example, on the spread of Guangzhou, I included a research post about CantoCutie, a zine that collects stories about the Cantonese diaspora.
Folios and Running Heads — The page numbers and running heads remain consistent, while the headers move around the spread. The page numbers are horizontally centered and the running heads are at the bottom right of the page.
Production
The book had 110 pages with a mixture of textures and paper sizes.
Risograph — I let the risograph machine decide how the letterforms would appear on the spread.
Hardcover sleeve — I wanted to create a hardcover sleeve to protect the edges of the page from curling or chipping. The sleeve acts as an additional cover to the book by playing with negative space. I used the laser cutter at EPIC to carve out the letterforms that I hand drew. One of the challenges of the sleeve was that after putting it in the laser cutter, the sleeve had a black, chalky residue. As a solution, I put a plastic film on top of the cover to prevent the residue to get on the page. I realized that after, I had to spray a fixative to seal the sleeve from getting damaged. The sleeve was very delicate and not as practical, but I did enjoy the process of creating it.
Final Critique
My final presentation went very well. I’m very proud of how my book turned out. I had a wonderful conversation with Mary and Graham. They both provided great insight into my work and gave me direction on how I should approach my thesis next semester. I was so happy to hear about my typography choices and my craftsmanship because I’ve always struggled with typography. I’m proud of myself for improving my typograpy. I do wish that I’d had the time to improve my presentation.
Reflection
I blinked and this semester already flew by. I learned a lot and I could see how my work has improved. This is the first semester where I felt proud and satisfied with all the work I’ve produced. I’m happy to end the semester on with the Thoughts on Thesis book because I can apply the skills I’ve learned in Editorial Publication, while also getting excited for next semester. I have a stronger grasp of my strengths as a designer and a more solid idea of what my thesis will be. A big thanks to Professor Grady, Annabella, Sophia, and Krystyn for helping me throughout the semester. And a big hug to my friends for making this semester so fun.
