"Wabi-sabi, Im perfectly imperfect" - Lady Gaga
Embracing Imperfection is a conference inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. As designers we are taught that everything must be perfect down to the tiniest detail, it’s not very often that imperfections are highlighted. I was inspired by wabi-sabi to create work that embraced imperfections, turning them into the hero element.
The Posters show a strong definition of what the conference is about through its striking and unique handmade style and the use of bright ‘CMYK’ colours. I wanted to show what we deem a perfect letter form but have a hand-painted letter form breaking the boundaries. Using CMYK colours to highlight and draw your eye to their imperfections, their beauty.
The Zen Gardens helps define the conference with its handmade style, which shows off imperfections and uses the bright CMYK colours to highlight imperfections. Its intention is to be an artwork for all attendees to enjoy while at the conference.
The Boucher is something that the people attending the conference are able to take away with them as a learning tool. It has information on each speaker and their style of work. Due to this conference being about imperfections and learning to embrace them, I found speakers who currently practice just that.
They are as follows, Zhu Ohmu, Kate Hursthouse, Lisa Rienermann and Paula Scher.
I wanted there to be elements of the raw markets present on the posters and in the Zen garden to be throughout the Boucher to help tie them all together.
These are the elements of the final work but in their raw forms. Playing around with scrap paper and painting letters, and shapes to get a more natural product.
This project taught me a lot about myself. It taught me that sometimes playing around on paper with raw materials is extremely beneficial. It doesn't have to be perfect all the time and finally, it taught me to have fun.
