This project focused on pushing the boundaries of traditional typography by breaking conventional design rules to create a visually compelling poster. The concept centered on highlighting themes of diversity and inclusion in society. The process involved finding inspiration through research and exploration, with an emphasis on blending manipulated imagery and experimental typography to convey the message in a bold, thought-provoking way.
I began the project by sketching three initial ideas, drawing inspiration from Pinterest to spark creativity. After refining my concepts, I selected one sketch to focus on and brainstormed ways to make the type experimental. This was a new challenge for me, and I wasn’t sure where to begin. Ultimately, I realized the best approach was to simply dive in and start experimenting.
I decided to create a “ripped page” effect by layering a white background behind each letter, giving the design a raw, fragmented look. To add more variety, I used a different typeface for each letter, creating a sense of contrast and visual interest. For the background, I cut out pieces of magazines and scanned them using my home printer, resulting in a unique, dynamic red texture that added depth to the design.
The main image, featuring hands, was crafted in Photoshop and then imported into Illustrator for precise placement. Once I had all the individual elements ready, I focused on assembling them into a cohesive composition that balanced experimentation with functionality. The result was a bold and innovative design that pushed my creative boundaries.
This project marked one of my first poster designs at Webster, and I was genuinely pleased with how it turned out. It challenged me in new ways, pushing my artistic abilities and encouraging a focus on aesthetic appeal rather than the traditional functionality or straightforward communication that I was used to as a graphic designer
More importantly, this was my introduction to experimental typography—a concept that allowed me to break free from conventional rules and explore how text could be manipulated beyond its typical boundaries. The freedom to reshape and reimagine type opened up endless creative possibilities, allowing me to transform text into a visual element that conveyed emotion and personality. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for design but also sparked a passion for pushing the limits of typography in future projects.
©Maggie Detchemendy 2023
