More Than Mechanic
(2022) Passion Project (Type) Art Direction, Book Design
The challenge was twofold: I aimed not only to contest deeply rooted perceptions of blue-collar labor but also to present the information in a way that surpassed traditional documentation of this field. By curating the book into an exhibition catalogue, I sought to engage viewers on a different level, inviting them to explore the world of mechanics through the lens of artistry.
Challenge
Value
As the owner of a 2008 Honda Civic who never tackles my own oil changes and often find myself perplexed by the dashboard symbols, I struggled to comprehend the deep love for mechanics.
However, my perspective shifted upon encountering Jacob Poole and Zach Longoria, affectionately known as Zach and Poole. Intrigued by their fervor for the profession,I sought to create this exhibition catalogue to unravel the significance of mechanics in their lives.
I discovered the passion that propels these individuals by delving into their backgrounds, revealing how they arrived at their current roles and why they remain dedicated to their craft.
Research Interviews
The interview process was paramount in shaping the narrative and design direction of the book. By personally conducting in-depth interviews with Zach and Poole, I established a genuine connection to uncover the essence of their passion for mechanics.
These personal questions allowed me to delve into their experiences, motivations, and perspectives, allowing me to form the foundation of the book. Over the course of two hours, I was able to understand their personal stories and grasp the nuances of their profession.
Each revelation influenced the visual and thematic elements of the book, creating an authentic representation of Zach and Poole's world.
Recognizing the limitations of the interview process alone, I fully immersed myself in the mechanics' world by visiting the respective shops of Poole and Zach. Spending entire days with them offered insight into their routines, challenges, and successes.
In addition to absorbing the atmosphere and dynamics of their workshops, I also utilized photography for documentation and visual storytelling. Capturing candid moments and intricate details through the lens allowed me to gather rich visual content that would compliment the written narrative of the book.
Fieldwork & Photographic Process
I sought to replicate the presentation of artistry within the mechanics' craft. The replication of a typical exhibition catalogue was not merely about showcasing their work but also about elevating it to a level where it could be appreciated as more than just a fallback career option. I adopted a minimalist design approach, allowing the content to take hierarchy. The layout remained simple and clean, adhering to a straightforward four-column grid.
Motif
Design Elements
At the heart of the book's structure lies the incorporation of written content designed to read as dialogue. I mirrored the intimate conversations I had with Poole and Zach during our interviews, this approach allows for a connection between readers and the mechanics.
Opting for a monochromatic approach created contrast highlighting the notion that mere discussion is insufficient to comprehend the vibrancy of their world.
I used Priori Sans for body text, providing a clean look, and Josephin Sans for emphasis. Consistent use of sans serif fonts ensured a sleek appearance and optimized reading. Artistic quality was added with P22 Cezanne Pro for pulled quotes. Additionally, handwritten section headers, personally written by Zach and Poole, contributed significantly to the typographic composition.
