Book Shelf //
There is something inescapable about the charm and tradition of printed materials. In stark contrast to the sterile screens of digital media, physical materials offer a sensory experience, elevating the content above the simple transfer of information, and grants an additional layer of meaning. Whether it be the subtle fragrance of the ink, the delicate weight of paper or even the creak of a an opening book, these small sensory details can be utilized to evoke emotions and memories that engage the the viewer at a deeper level. While we live at a time dominated by digital media, this shift has opened a new market of appreciation for physical materials that offer a greater sense of connection and authenticity. I am fascinated by the impact of physicality, and as a designer, count it among my greatest tools.
Quotes //
Quotes was a publication built for the explicit purpose of bringing students of Wey Hall, the art building of Appalachian State University, together. To combat a growing sense of division, we decided to access the one thing every student had in common; their creativity. By setting up several different “prompt stations,” around the building, we asked students to react to prompts in their own unique ways. In effect, this created a neutral space outside the studios where students could collaborate. We then collected their submissions, as well as a collection of other polls and interviews, and published them in 3 separate zine’s to show the student body what was possible when they tossed judgment aside and collaborated with others.
K. Morgado :: A. Gilbert :: A. Lucas :: M. Lellie
Curiosities //
The contents and construction of this piece reveal the foundation of narrative themes in my creative process. A product of 100 days of illustration, it consists of a selection of drawings shown alongside their corresponding “origin” story. As these illustrations are part of one ongoing train of thought, the pages are connected end to end, letting illustrations and stories alike bleed into one another. In this way, it can either be experienced as a traditional book in sequential order, or as an installation piece to be viewed and interpreted from many angles.
In the vines //
Made in part to bring some sense of closure for myself after my grandfathers passing, the main goal of this book was to impart his character and meaning to future readers, so they might draw strength from his memory just as I do. Like many others, the book consists of a start and an end; it differs however, in that they are presented in tandem, alternating between a young mans journal, reacting the trials of war in the Pacific Theater, and the more reflective memoirs of an aged patriarch accounting for a life well lived. Meandering between past and present, the book paints a more complete picture of my grandfather, his role in history, and his larger than life impact on those around him.
Hollow //
This book is the product of a discussion that examined methods of communication with the future, in this case by about 10,000 years. Where some suggested cave engravings, immense structures, or even orbital satellites repurposed as time capsules, I suggested the time proven tradition of storytelling. Just as the Epic of Gilgamesh was translated from song, to tablet, to book, a narrative made of simple archetypes and morals would serve as means of communicating essential lessons from important events that might otherwise be lost in translation. This book was made as a symbolic starting point, describing prominent anxieties we face today, and translating them into a narrative that can be passed on. In theory, the message will survive, so long as there are people to tell it.
Reflection of Practice //
This book is a collection of my own writings made in reaction to several books, articles, and opinions regarding typography/design. The writings themselves have been designed as editorials to reflect their content and bound by consistent visual themes to fit within a single book.
