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Joshua Reyes

BFA in Graphics — Graphic Design
Course:
302 Communication Design 5: Publication
Faculty:
Tracey Shiffman

LIFE IS BULL

The design of this book relates closely to my culture. I dove into the history of bullfighting, and this is explored throughout the book along with the personal stories behind the bullfighters. I dove into the why’s of bullfighting, why it's done, why it means so much to these fighters, and why so many people still support its gory tradition.
Learning Outcomes:
I came to learn of all the small things that impact the overall design. Designing the book was easier said than done, learning who to talk to and where to get my materials was a struggle and it really helped me to understand the whole process that goes into book design.
I was heavily influenced by the fighting of two, seeing the vengeful veracity of the bull in contrast to the elegant, cool headed nature of the bullfighter. Watching and reading about it all one idea came to mind, the idea of tearing and putting back together as well as contradictions. Having this in mind I used materials that felt appropriate, using a fake leather for the cover and red thread to sew together the book. The string also has a double meaning representing the string of fate but also how these two opposing ideas of man and beast are being stitched together in a book.
Not only does It go over the history and personal stories of bullfighting but It goes over the present, one thing particularly is the role women now play in this medieval sport once seen as male dominant.
I used two contrasting typefaces to represent the man and beast. A big bold san serif to represent the loud showmanship nature of man and a serif to represent the fierce, sharp nature of the bull.