Bittersweet:
a cookbook

Publication design

Spring 2024,
Advanced
Typography

I created a fifteen-page cookbook featuring nutrient-dense desserts designed to nurture your body. This project, which spanned two months as part of my advanced typography course, encompassed everything from recipe development and illustrative graphics to typography and book production.

Designing this book was an exciting challenge, as it allowed for more creative freedom compared to other types of books. My focus was on organization, order, and storytelling in the layout of each spread. I aimed for clear, easily comprehensible instructions to ensure a smooth baking experience. By highlighting essential information and eliminating unnecessary details, I streamlined the content for better usability.

Color and illustrations were central to my design approach, creating a vibrant and eye-catching book that stands out on the shelf among other cookbooks.

Take a look through the book:

The tangible book:

Functionality and accessibility were top priorities for this cookbook, leading me to explore different binding techniques. I ultimately chose a system that allows individual recipes to be removed, making it practical for use in a busy kitchen. To simplify the recipe spreads, I removed the ingredient lists, assuming the baker would have prepped ingredients beforehand. Instead, I designed small, portable ingredient cards with measurements that can double as shopping lists. I sewed a pocket into the front endpaper to neatly store all six ingredient slips.

For the book’s binding, I drew inspiration from classic American cookbooks, such as Better Homes’ New Cookbook, The Fanny Farmer Cookbook, and Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Their timeless designs influenced my decision to use a gingham fabric cover, which adds both sturdiness and a nostalgic nod to homemade cooking, evoking memories of my own childhood kitchen.