Austin Community College | 2024 | Design Communication | Booklet
For this project, I selected an artist whose work I admire and created a booklet exploring their creative style. I chose Alarm Eighteen, an artist known for crafting intricate replicas of magical books inspired by fictional worlds such as Harry Potter. Through this project, I studied elements of his visual style while experimenting with tools and techniques, using the process as an opportunity to research and develop my own skills.
About the Artist
Alarm Eighteen is the creative alias of Jack, a designer and maker known for crafting richly detailed fantasy books and props. His work combines illustration, mythology, and carefully designed typography to create objects that feel as though they belong to fully realized magical worlds. Beyond his well-known wizarding school book replicas, Jack has developed original series such as the Potioners’ Pocketbooks and Creature Dictionaries. Through thoughtful design and craftsmanship, his work captures a distinctive sense of whimsical magic.
Illustrations by Alarm Eighteen (Jack) — alarmeighteen.co.uk
Research
Alarm Eighteen Designs
Illustration and Designs by Alarm Eighteen (Jack) — alarmeighteen.co.uk
Creative Brief
Competition:
MinaLima, the graphic design studio responsible for the visual materials in the Harry Potter films, and Annie Atkins.
Target Audience:
People who are interested in mythology, worldbuilding, and the supernatural.
Demographics:
Fantasy book enthusiasts between the ages of 20 and 35 who enjoy exploring design and creating artwork of their own. They often invest deeply in the stories they love by purchasing posters, prints, apparel, replicas, and jewelry. Many are inspired to learn new creative skills connected to their favorite characters or worlds. They attend conventions, participate in fan communities, and enjoy sharing their interests with others.
Message and Concept:
The goal of this project is to inspire readers to pursue creative passions they may have set aside in favor of practicality. It encourages them to begin projects they have always wanted to explore and to continue discovering new worlds and forms of magic through creativity.
Themes:
Illustration, informational design, handcrafted aesthetics, personalization, playfulness, and experimentation.
Most Important Element:
The sense of playfulness and imagination.
Tools Used: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Adobe Stock, Adobe Font
Instructor: Ryan Ashkenase
Timeline: 4 weeks
Skills Applied: Illustration, Editorial layout design, Typography and hierarchy, Visual research, Custom Brush Design
Cover Design
Spread Layout
Sketches
Digital Rendering
Color Scheme
Type Choices