print design: editorial / artistic

Touch Me

/ book about human perception and the senses

The idea behind Touch Me was to create a book that explores the phenomenon of human sensation and perception. It is not meant to be an entire anthology or encyclopedia about the human senses or theories surrounding them, nor does it endeavor to explain each concept at length. It is meant to act as an index of sorts: ideas are represented by statements, quotes, poems, art pieces and images allowing the reader to get a feeling of the ideas presented. Some ideas are explained in more detail, while others are presented as more of a feeling or sensual experience.

I wanted to see if I could make people experience the phenomenon represented simply by reading the book. The inspiration for this project came from a class I took in third year university called 'The Sensorium.'

The cover

When creating the cover I wanted it to relate to all aspects of the book which made it tricky to find just one image to relate to such diverse set of ideas and topics. I decided to make the book completely black, with a soft touch finish and spot gloss lettering so that it in itself as an object was something tactile and interesting to interact with physically.

Prologue excerpt

I have found that I spend a lot of time in my head. As a university student, as an artist and as a designer, I spend an astounding amount of time planning, organizing and just daydreaming.

I think it is because of this that I treasure those moments when I am able to take a breath and just exist. Breathing in the smell of home when I hug my mom. The feeling of pins and needles in my legs when I take a hot shower after being out in the cold. Or the way my mouth waters when I pour salt and vinegar sauce on popcorn at the movie theatre.

This book is not meant to be a comprehensive anthology of information about the senses. Instead I have endeavoured to create a sensory journey through photography, art, poetry, book excerpts, and quotes. It is meant to remind us to take a moment to live, to step back from planning and worrying and just be human.

spread excerpt

Horripilation / noun: literary

The sensation of tingling down the spine causing the hairs on the back of ones neck to stand up. Known as “Tasting Rasa” in the context of Indian culture.