bizarre fairytales: an experimental book for adults
In my experimental book class, I chose to design a book that inspired an emotional connection for the reader through typography, color, and an interactive experience. The focus would be to make the book a work of art as well as an intriguing read. I created “adult” fairytales in modern situations, these were meant to relatable for the reader, and would evoke emotional experience. Another way to increase the level of whimsical interaction was to make the stories intertwine within the layout. Reading the fairytale book is a challenging but satisfying interaction. Adding the elements of sculpture and folds to the book form made the book unique and lively.
design challenge
The design challenges for this book covered a variety of artistic fields, those included typography, 3-D design, creative writing, and illustration. First, I wrote 8 fairytales with a focus on adult situations and revert from the typical “happily ever after” fairytale, which was intentional. I wanted to call at problems people face in every day life. Some of the endings are happy, some are sad, and some are mean, but I think that is part of the essence of the book. These fairytales are about real life.
The interaction and typography combination was also challenging because the visual balance and storyline needed to be cohesive while flipping the book over.
process
The form of the book is structural which required me to do some investigation into how that could be implemented.
After the fairytales were completed the layout of the drop caps and text layout were added on final book shape. I folded many prototypes determining where the folds creased and made sure the stories were readable and the interaction was seamless when the book was completely open or flipped to the other side.
solution
The design was based on book as an object and the use expressive typography, the layout is very complex. The relationship that typography has with the form of my book is significant. Every story is interacting over both sides of the book, requiring the interaction of the reader to flip the book on all sides.
The sculptural element of the book’s form is meant to be showcased out in the open, on a shelf, on a coffee table, or any other place a sculpture would be displayed.