about the project
The Zine
Publication Design
Typography & Layout
Print-making
For the completion of my Visual Communication Design degree, I spent the 2024-2025 school year developing my capstone project. As a one year long initiative, it was imperative that I not only hone my craft in the areas of design I am most passionate about (type, layout, and publication), it was important to me that I worked with content in which I care deeply about sharing with the world.
This zine-style publication introduces readers to Joan Didion’s iconic 1968 essay, On Keeping a Notebook— a timeless essay which was essential to my introduction to writing in my earlier years. It poses writing, journaling, & note-taking as methods of self discovery and deriving meaning from the from the more intricate, internal lives in which we live.
the final product
For the first time since it’s original publication, this essay is now given it’s own home in a risograph printed zine with visually designed moments of pause and interactive prompts. This spotlight encourages Didion fans and new readers alike, to fully appreciate the importance of the text and consider its relevance in their own lives. By providing space for writing and thought starters, this zine not only promotes introspection, but highlights all that there is to be gained from simply writing. it. down.
notes on the process
In addition to the 44 page zine publication, this capstone was presented alongside a handmade process book explaining the decision-making and meaning behind this project.
After spending the year learning about risograph printing and deciding to pursue it for my capstone, I was lead to Julia at Cereal Box Studio- the lovely creative responsible for the printing and fabrication of my 25 zine copies.
This interest in printmaking also inspired me to try riso printing myself. Using my university’s own equipment, I was able to learn the process and apply it to the process book.
notes on design
Three layout styles were developed for this zine, the first being the more text heavy pages where the essay’s content is laid out in a more digestible form.
The second are pages that shine a spotlight on the most valuable quotes. These are called out in a custom-made seafoam green typeface with intentional spacing that slows the reader down in order to promote reflection.
The third layout style features writing prompts and space to write . These pages include personal questions that prompt the reader to begin their own journaling practice as the essay encourages.
read the full zine here
Interested in getting a copy for yourself? Want to check out the zine/process book in person? Get in touch here.
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