Celebrating Birthdays
Publishing, Illustration, Typography
Instructor: Paul Kepple
Celebrating Birthdays is a comprehensive exploration of the topic of Birthdays. It navigates the topic on both a collective and personal level. From the delightful simplicity of birthday cakes to the nuanced complexities of individuals' sentiments towards aging in the context of their birthdays, this book traverses a diverse spectrum of subjects encapsulating the essence of birthday celebrations.
Research & MethodologyMy primary approach to content generation for this book involved conducting a survey to capture insights such as birthdays people deemed significant, individuals' emotional connections to their birthdays, and birthday traditions. This survey provided a comprehensive understanding of the themes that resonate most deeply with people regarding birthdays, enabling me to outline the book's structure effectively. Additionally, I integrated select survey questions and responses throughout the book to showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences surrounding birthdays.
For topics requiring factual exploration, such as the origins of birthday cakes, presidential birthdays, global birthday customs, and the history of gift-giving, I conducted thorough research. This additional research complemented the insights gathered from surveys, providing depth and accuracy to the book's coverage of various birthday-related themes.
Photo gathering was also an important part of my setting up process. I wanted a majority of the photos in this book to evoke a sense of nostalgia, and to highlight real people. To achieve this I avoided stock photography as much as I could and instead relied on resources such as Internet Archive (archive.org). I also was able to collect birthday-related photos from the survey.
Photo gathering also played a significant role in the early stage of this book’s design. I aimed to curate images that evoke nostalgia and have a sense of authenticity. To fulfill this vision, I minimized the use of stock photography and turned to sources like the Internet Archive (archive.org). Additionally, I enriched the visual narrative by incorporating birthday-related photos I collected directly from the survey participants.
Color & Photo TreatmentTo ensure visual cohesion throughout the book, I adopted a consistent approach to imagery and typography. The majority of images were treated with vibrant duotones and accompanied by brightly colored typography, creating a bright and campy aesthetic. However, I preserved the authenticity of some vintage images by subtly increasing their saturation, as showcased in a full-color vintage cake spread.
TypographyThroughout the book, I juxtaposed contrasting colors to enhance visual interest while still making sure to maintain the type’s readability. For section openers, I employed creative typographic treatments, turning text into imagery. For instance, on the "All About Cakes" spread, I piped out the type using frosting, while on the "Birthday Parties" spread, the opener took the form of a birthday invitation. Similarly, on the "All About Gifts" spread, the type was designed to emulate a gift ribbon, adding visual intrigue to the sections.
Image-makingWhile the majority of imagery used throughout the book was directly related to birthdays, including pictures of presents, cakes, gifts, and birthday parties, there were instances where imagery needed to be incorporated that were not directly birthday-related. To infuse these images with a birthday twist, I employed collage and illustration techniques to add elements such as birthday hats. This approach tied the imagery back to the thematic content of the book. An example of this can be seen in the "Presidential Birthdays" spread, where former presidents were adorned with special birthday paraphernalia, including birthday hats, noise-makers, and balloons, adding a whimsical touch to historical portraits.
Card InsetsAs mentioned earlier, I aimed to spotlight selected survey questions and responses throughout the book to accentuate individual perspectives. To achieve this, I featured the questions and answers within inset birthday cards. The questions were presented on the front, mirroring the design of classic birthday cards, known for their kitschy and extravagant style. Meanwhile, the answers were showcased inside the cards in various handwritten fonts, resembling a personal note tucked inside a card. These cards were strategically placed between spreads adorned with duotone-treated gift wrapping paper patterns. This arrangement aimed to immerse readers in the experience of receiving a birthday gift and card, adding a tactile and interactive element to the book.
Overall, Celebrating Birthdays isn't just an exploration of birthdays, but rather it's a vibrant celebration, highlighting diverse perspectives. It joyfully captures life's milestones, showcasing both the highs and lows of the birthday experience. As readers journey through its pages, they will encounter a wealth of viewpoints, reflecting the complex emotions and varied relationships individuals have with their birthdays. From moments of pure joy to instances of introspection and even ambivalence, this book serves as a reminder of the array of human experiences that birthdays entail