Raw
RAW explored imperfection through an editorial publication created for Ottawa Design Club. Developed through an open call for submissions, the project invited artists to interpret the theme from their own perspective, resulting in a publication that moved between photography, illustration, sculpture, writing, motion, and installation.
Rather than approaching RAW as a visual style, the design extended the concept through every layer of the publication. Editorial structure, material choices, and production techniques worked together to create an experience that felt tactile, open-ended, and intentionally unfinished.
Editorial Design
Each issue of the Ottawa Design Club zine series develops its own visual language in response to its theme. For RAW, that meant moving away from polished digital aesthetics in favour of physical experimentation.
Hand-painted textures, marker drawings, cut paper, and scanned materials became the foundation of the editorial system, creating layouts that celebrated process instead of concealing it. The result balanced expressive moments with quieter compositions, allowing every contributor's work to retain its own voice.
Inviting Interpretation
The publication was designed to leave space for discovery. Contributors were asked to describe their work in a single sentence, encouraging readers to build their own connections rather than relying on lengthy explanations.
That thinking continued throughout the publication. The editor's letter appeared in its expected location, while its opening and closing sentences quietly extended onto the inside covers. Most readers never noticed the missing fragments, creating a subtle editorial detail that rewarded closer attention.