brief
The goal of this project was to design a book that embodies Boafo’s identity through thoughtful design while presenting information clearly and engagingly. A key challenge was capturing a sense of tactility and intimacy, mirroring his approach to portraying subjects. It was equally important to reflect his method of giving space to his subjects—allowing each element to assert its presence with intention. Inspired by the original title, Do You See Me, the concept explored assertiveness and audience engagement, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between artwork and viewer. This led to a central question: How can I create space for the artist’s work? Research revealed that Boafo’s paintings celebrate individuals shaping their surroundings. The publication, therefore, needed to honor not only the artworks but also the people and stories behind them.
solution
To translate this into design, the layout reflected Boafo’s approach—tight exterior margins created a sense of expansion, echoing how his subjects assert their identity. Every editorial element emphasized space and presence, with each artwork presented as if suspended in its own dimension, much like in a gallery. The embossed, half-cut jacket further reinforced Boafo’s hands-on technique, inviting tactile, personal engagement while playing with the irony of the title. This project taught me to embrace production constraints as a tool for enhancing narrative—allowing the concept to unfold through emotion and subtlety rather than direct explanation.
