It was privilege to assist during this workshop. This Year Two workshop was lead by one of my design heroes, Hamish Muir (8vo/MuirMacNeil) with the objective to create type hierarchy and layout without the use of a computer. Our students were given sheets of paper with duplicates of the same information: title, author, publisher. All typeset in various weights and types sizes.
They were then instructed to create a page size of 210mm square, and cut out each line of information and then apply to the canvas. And position by eye, a structured and satisfactory layout. Once decided, stick or glue. Repeat. The whole year group were sat together, working individually and you could hear a pin drop. And each student generated layouts which were structured and unmistakably modernist. Or if have you seen the back cover of a Durutti Column LP, unmistakably 8vo.
Once completed, Year Two arranged their work in a pathway that lead the length of the studio floor. The results were proof positive of a design discipline learnt. Or experiential learning in action: new experience, reflect, learn, new behaviour. Repeat. For me it’s pure design.
Top photo: Octavo 92.8 Design by 8vo.