PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection (BEID), is an anthology centering design teaching practices, research and stories through a Black/African diasporic lens. The voices represented in this text exemplify the inherently collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of design and provides access to ideas and topics for a variety of audiences. BEID can be used as a reference text for design practitioners and students, as well as educators from fields such as cultural studies, media studies, history, critical theory, and other social sciences.

The initial illustration and design concept for the book stems from the idea of being trapped within a box as a black designer. No matter how hard we try to reshape or reform that box, it still remains present. The goal was to create a dialogue between the cover and interior illustrations of the book to reclaim or break free from said box. It was important for us to stay away from typical tropes and visual cues that historically read as "black graphic design". Some of those tropes include cut paper, rugged edges, or poster-like typography that's reminiscent of a picket sign. Our approach to make the design of this book simple and modern was very intentional. The chapter introductions use a large, lean serif that dances around the illustrations. The monospace type is used as a staple throughout the book to contextualize where you are and keep you grounded within the text.

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 6" x 9"

Number of Pages: 600

Binding Method: Perfect Bind

Paper: 45# Resolute Alternative Book Cream

Typefaces: Founders Grotesk; Greed; MDIO0.3, Teodor

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: Kelly Walters

Art Director:

Book Designer: Renald Louissaint

Jacket/Cover Designer: Renald Louissaint

Illustrator: Renald Louissaint

Photographer:

Picture Editor:

Production Director:

Production Coordinator:

Production Artist:

Other Credits: Anne H. Berry - Managing Editor

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