Project Brief and Role
This was an academic project to create a recipe book using typographic principles, color theory and image placement around a chosen theme. I was responsible from the brainstorm to final design including research, grid structure and composition.
Insight
I chose to focus on the pomegranate as my theme. As a Persian Jew the fruit holds meaning and symbolism in both aspects of my background.
Within Persian culture pomegranate is used in literature, poetry and mythology from the times of the Persian Empire until now.
In Judaism, pomegranate is considered one of the seven blessed fruits and used during the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Images of it have even been found on ancient Jewish coins.
Introduction page design with an in depth look at the importance of pomegranates
Process
To begin, my first step was to gather all the elements I needed, including recipes, images and additional information.
My second step was to set up the pages in Adobe InDesign to explore possible layouts using various grid structures. By placing elements within the different grid structures, I was visually able to decide how best to layout the elements onto the page.
My third step was exploring typography that would fit the needs of the viewer while complimenting the subject of the recipe book. For the titles and headings, I chose a stylized, almost stone engraved typeface, to emphasize the historical importance of pomegranate for the viewer. However, for the recipe steps, I chose a more modern, simple sans-serif typeface that would be easy to read and follow.
Lastly, I finalized the details, such as the images, spacing, and placement to create pages that were cohesive, organized and engaging.
Exploring possible layouts with a grid structure
Result
The result is a recipe book that uses a simple grid structure making it easy for the viewer to look back and forth from the page as well as easily move from one step to another.
The typeface of the titles and headers are eye-catching and are coupled with an easy to read typeface for the recipes to further add to the ease of reading for the viewer.
Small details create a fun and engaging design, such as the pomegranate seed asterisks that indicate facts about the fruit for the reader to discover.
Recipe introduction page
Reflection
To further develop this project, I would like to have someone actually make a recipe with the design in place to evaluate the choices I made. Their feedback could shed light on any needed changes to layout or typography that would make the material easier to interact with.
Recipe steps page