Figures and Fairytales

Abstract

Senior Project Abstract Figures and Fairytales

My senior project is a children's book exploring typographic creation and illustrations as well as diversity in children's literature. I want to further understand how typography works as illustration as well as how it can develop visuals. I also aim to bring more diversity to fairytales and fantasy stories to add representation for children. Diversity is important in teaching children empathy and understanding and by introducing diversity more, I hope to further children's social understanding as well as academic understanding. My book is a channel for wider social understanding, representation, and design exploration. I would also like to push the bounds of my ability to create interesting and unique books; to further explore the art of book making instead of just the process of it. I also want to explore childhood development with these books. There is a distinct lack of diverse representation in books across the United States. Children use stories to gain a better connection and understanding of the surrounding world by using stories that relate to the audience, including children outside of the social "norm." My research will include how diversity furthers socio-emotional and academic childhood development. Furthermore, illustration has not been something I've been able to explore in design so far and I want to begin to apply design skills to various illustrative pieces. The book is an original Thumbelina story comprised of multiple original, handmade fonts, watercolor illustrations, and will be a hard cover, hand-bound item. The online presence and updates for the book may be found on the figuresandfairytales Instagram page.