Memorabilia | Thesis Project
Memorabilia analyzes print ephemera as a medium for documenting the history of Ontario. It is an exploration of design in relation to image making, archiving, and cultural identity. Items such as stamps, buttons, and posters are carefully investigated to identify Canadian symbols and aspects of Ontario’s social, political, and economic past. Serving as a physical resource for Graphic Designers in Ontario, Memorabilia evaluates the importance of print design through a series of informative publications and a newspaper. These pieces encourage Designers to consider their role as visual communicators in a world where even the most mundane items tell a story.
The Newspaper
The print newspaper functions as a satirical way to communicate local information in an ephemeral medium. It features essays, articles, and interviews which discuss the role of ephemera as evidence of culture. As well, information about archiving, media, and community history are all analyzed to gain insight into the importance of visual documentation.
The Process Book
As a brand identity, Memorabilia adopts a retro colour palette which pairs burgundy, yellow, mint, and blue to convey a mix of traditional sensibility with vibrant excitement. As well, the decision to pair serif and sans-serif typefaces sees the merging of classicism with modernity. The entire process of developing the project brand as well as each phase of design research was documented in a spiral bound process book.
