ISTD 2018

Project 5: Food for Thought for my ISTD project. This brief looked for stories about food and food that told stories. It could include the story of an original recipe, life history or how it changed over time. It also emphasised the importance of how food reflects the people, their culture, and social context. The brief asked to express the findings in a typographically engaging way to inform the chosen audience.

The Package Family stems from a personal story, the emigration of Irish families to Britain in the 1960s, but remains neutral to make it easier for the audience to project themselves into the piece. It is written to be enjoyed by type designers, typographers, graphic designers, educators, students, or anyone who may have experienced convenience foods and the boom of 1960s Britain. It may also reach those affected by emigration during the era.

The text explores the social contexts of 1960s Britain, referencing immigration and the impact of advertising and packaging on the influx of convenience food. It also touches on emigrant Irish families adjusting to unfamiliar food experiences and accepting a new way of life.

Through the use of typographic expression and design, the piece highlights the overwhelming consumerism, something almost alien to the young Irish immigrants in those days.  A dotted line throughout the spreads represents a journey through the myriad of convenience foods. Outlined packaging is used as metaphor for the family, packing up their lives and navigating their way. They had to fold themselves to fit in and embrace the well of experiences that went with the new way of life, and ultimately become participants in the British package.