February 2005 | Sparks

Creative process for February 2005 design
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Stage I We started our exploration by pairing this striking Art Deco image of the Greek goddess Diana with a complementary typeface: Emigré's Mason Sans. While the Gothic forms of the typeface wouldn't seem to match the Deco look, the combination of structure, regular line weight, and decorative flourishes echo the grace and graphic nature of the artwork. The problem? The quote's too darn long!		Stage II We split up the quote into sections, emphasizing key words and phrases. We also substituted alternate characters for some of the more decorative letterforms (a K with no tail, an H with no double-crossbar) in order to increase legibility. The two sentences of the quote seem to be almost two different voices; the second sentence is more intense than the first. Our visual differentiation isn't quite working yet.


	Final We finessed the arrangement of the top block of copy and tightened up spacing (see the "i" in "experience"). We pulled the second sentence into a separate graphic element to give it more intensity and to anchor the composition. We then added graphic elements in keeping with the Deco style that draw the eye from the image to the type. Next, we were off to Photoshop to add Deco color and textures, as well as a slight bevel effect to make the composition pop a bit more. The result is a striking, inspiring image reflecting the courage and grace of the quote's author.