The challenge:
I was invited to contribute a design for the 10th edition of the Letterpress Calendar, which features 12 designers, each creating a unique design for one month of the year. This limited edition is hand-numbered, making it even more special.
This year’s edition showcases exclusive designs by Kelsy Stromski, Talenta Priyatmojo, Francis Chouquet, Camille Gabara, Ethan Kowaleski, Jason Carne, Reno Orange, Jef Millotte, Nancy Rouemy, Salih Kucukaga, Billy Baumann, and Luke Ritchie.
It was an honor to be involved in this project, and I’m thrilled with the spectacular results. I created the design for December 2021
The solution:
I had full creative freedom for this. I chose the paraphrase "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit" by historian Will Durant in his book The Story of Philosophy.
This is often wrongly attributed to Aristotle, however, it summarizes Aristotle's ideas from the Nicomachean Ethics, where Aristotle discusses the importance of repeated actions in forming character and developing virtues.
I chose this quote as I resonated with the truth behind it. Discipline and routine are important factors in achieving anything of significant greatness. Something I have felt on my creative journey.
I chose a Roman style of lettering from the Renaissance period, which I felt worked nicely with the content of what was being said. I developed a full set of characters and will be turned into a typeface at some point.
2021 Letterpress calendar
Client: Mr Cup
Lettering
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