”Haiku [for you]”
Interpretive Haiku Poem
Objective
To compose a non-literal visual & typographic interpretive sequence based on a traditional three-line Japanese haiku poem.
The goal was to emphasize simplicity, intensity, and directness in visual representation
and interpretation, considering hierarchy, proportion, alignment, balance, rhythm,
and various other design elements.
Poem
“Haiku [for you]”
Love between us is
Speech and breath. Loving you is
a long river running.
-Sonia Sanchez
Sketches
My goal for the interpretive poem was to have non-literal visuals representing love and connection, as mentioned in Sanchez's poem. I explored motifs of balance, such as with the Venn-diagram-like image sketched in the first panels. “Loving you is like a long river running” inspired experimentation with a “flowing river” imagery that flows through the sequence.
Digital Experimentation
Ultimately, my digital iterations ended up being too busy or too literal.
cover iteration, spread iteration1, spread iteration 2
Final Covers
The final covers were designed to serve as a cohesive representation of the entire typographic sequence. The heartbeat imagery on the front and back covers symbolizes love and life, reflecting a central theme in Sanchez’s poem.
Final Interpretive Haiku
Other Works
Hot Glue Gun Iconography
Creature Mark
Operation School Bell