The 2018 Art2Wear theme was Caesura: the art of interruption. As the head graphic designer on the A2W Student Committee, my job was to work with the Artistic Contributer, Emily Parker, to create a key motif aligning with the theme then to apply it to the 50-page program booklet that each attendee receives at the show.

Designing for designers

As the graphic designer, I was responsible for showcasing the spirit of each unique fashion line from each of the 11 designers while still expressing the cohesive theme of the show. In applying the key motif to the book, I went with a consistent underlying grid with which I created a choppy, color-blocked. Blocks of color, typography, and photos interrupt each other across each page, incorporating the chaotic paint splotch motif - all while allowing ample space for the work of the designers to breathe and shine.

Reflection

As I look back, this project was unique because it was only 50% designing: the other 50% was building relationships and collaborating with people I had never met, let alone worked with before. By the time of the show, we were working and celebrating as a true team, which was a great end to a highly stressful and time-sensitive project.

I also have a lot of admiration for this project as it combined some of my absolute favorite things: color, typography systems, and fashion. I loved the challenge of rethinking the traditional “program booklet” into a aesthetically beautiful artifact that matched the spirit of an experimental fashion show. What if a program booklet was so beautiful and detail-oriented that the attendees couldn’t bear to throw it away on the way out the door?

My main takeaway: whatever you do, do it well.