MĀNUKA TRIBUTE
FALL 2024 / 4 WEEKS
SOLO PROJECT
INDESIGN, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP
Book spread and kinetic type video exploring Mānuka, a typeface designed by Kris Sowersby with roots in German wood type. Letterpress motifs carried across both project segments, book spread features an essay on Mānuka’s history. A study in cohesive design across print and digital / motion-based formats.
Mānuka Spread
Project Overview
Before creating this spread, I devoted plenty of time to researching Mānuka’s creation and the historical context behind it. This project not only served as an introduction to book design, but also provided an opportunity to deeply engage with a typeface beyond its visual qualities. It was also a nice exercise in formatting and ragging my own essay.
Mānuka’s designer refers to the typeface as “new growth from old wood,” as it is heavily influenced by primitive German wood type. I reference Mānuka’s roots by incorporating letterpress textures and original notations sourced from scans of German type.
Click here for detailed process documentation on Medium.
Kinetic Type Video
Project Overview
This animation was created as a follow-up to my Mānuka spread, with the aim of preserving the aesthetic and story established in the original design. I carried over letterpress & printing motifs in many scenes, as well as a snappy summary of my essay for the script. It was an exciting challenge to brainstorm scenes for this animation - there were plenty of opportunities to represent Mānuka’s quirks through creative motion, rather than with simple words on the screen.
I developed my storyboard with the goal of surprising the viewer - I wanted each scene and transition to bring something delightfully unexpected to the animation, yet always “on-brand” for Mānuka. The (many) all-nighters were worth it. I’m very proud of my work, especially as this is my first kinetic type video!
Click here for detailed process documentation on Medium.
Book Spread - Composition Drafts
Kinetic Type - Frame Drafts and Animation Tests