Glorious & Free
Glorious & Free celebrates Canadian culture beyond the stereotypes of mountains, polar bears, maple leafs and canoes perceived worldwide. Published by House of Anansi Press, The 'Glorious & Free' book celebrates 33 remarkable Canadians. Told through a series of intimate interviews with photographs by Joanne Ratajczak, and featuring original illustrations by Frank Viva, the book is an inspirational and enduring vehicle to celebrate Canada's emerging identity.
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Press: The Globe & Mail . CBC . Nuvo
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Purchase: Amazon . Indigo
Client: Glorious & Free
Role: Creative Director, Art Director, Designer
Portrait Photography: Joanne Ratajczak
Copy: Chris Frey
βCanada has long been celebrated for its diversity and described as a βcultural mosaicβ. The brand language established the term βcultural kaleidoscopeβ to best represent the countyβs emerging multidimensional identity.
As a result, the deconstructed elements of a kaleidoscope βlayers & depthβ, βlight & perspectiveβ were paired with the Canadian values of βdiversity & hopeβ, βequality & acceptanceβ. These pairings led to the ampersand as the symbol of inclusivity for the brand and book. β
βMuch like a kaleidoscope, the book cover aesthetic is constructed by using layers, depth and light. The hardcover showcases the required portraits and the semiβtranslucent jacket acts as the multidimensional viewing lens.
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βThe bookβs red edges acts as the two red bars on each side of the flag, while the maple leaf symbol is replaced by the content in the centre.
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βThroughout the book there are 33 original Frank Viva illustrations which embody the narrative of each profile and their personalities.β
βThe official launch took place at Holt Renfrew retail spaces nationwide. The month long installation was dedicated to the βGlorious & Freeβ brand and book.β