Katniss Everdeen
a typographic narrative
to create a typographic narrative surrounding a persona, with the final outcome being a four-spread newspaper layout unique to the chosen person. The typography itself was explored via images, locations, and textures that hold special significance to that character.
I chose Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of the Hunger Games.
The challenge
Skills used
research / typography
Prof. Sohee Kwon
SCAD Atlanta
Mentor
Summer 2023
Completed
The girl on fire
Native to a district in a world where children are pit against each other in an arena to fight for their lives, Katniss outsmarts the ruling establishment and becomes a somewhat unwilling leader of a rebellion she starts by accident.
From someone who struggles with her own image and avoids the spotlight as far as she can, to someone who takes center stage and leads the people of her country to certain victory, Katniss is a character with an incredible range of development and emotions.
Her story is one that I thought would be incredibly interesting to tell.
type and image
process
'Girl on Fire'
The first time Katniss is referred to as the "girl on fire" is during the opening ceremony of the Hunger Games, where she and Peeta Mellark make a strong impression on the audience with their costumes and entrance. This moment marks a turning point for Katniss, representing her transformation from a reluctant participant to a symbol of strength and defiance.
Choosing my image
Katniss's stylist, Cinna, chooses the "girl on fire" theme for her public image during the Games, and clothing becomes a big part of her public persona. I used silken and satin cloth for my imagery to tie back to Katniss' bond with Cinna, and, after a few iterations of designs, I made it blue. This created both a contrast from the typical image of fire, but it also reminded me of blue flames, which are hotter and more intense, much like Katniss herself.
(here's a closer look)
process
'Coal to pearls'
The phrase "coal to pearls" is a symbolic representation of Katniss's transformation and evolution as a character. The phrase emphasizes her journey from a humble background (coal), to a position of strength, resilience, and beauty (pearls). The irony of it all, though, is that even though the phrase isn't true in the slightest, Katniss' escort Effie uses it often to sell Katniss to sponsors.
Choosing my image
The phrase 'coal to pearls' suggests some kind of metamorphosis, of beauty rising from pressure and pain. In choosing my image, I wanted to reflect a similar kind of change, which is why I chose to use butterflies, which start out as humble-looking caterpillars and undergo a great change before emerging from their chrysalis in full bloom.
type and place
(here's a closer look)
process
'Will to Live'
Katniss's "will to live" is a central and powerful theme in the Hunger Games trilogy. She demonstrates remarkable resilience and determination to survive in the face of extreme adversity, and as the series progresses, her will to live becomes intertwined with her resistance against the oppressive Capitol as she continues to survive their plans for her against all odds.
Choosing my place
I wanted my place to depict great turmoil, which is why I chose a stormy sea, which is a really unpredictable environment. The "will to live" indicates inner strength and determination of individuals to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties presented by the storm. Katniss experiences significant trauma throughout the series, but despite it all, she perseveres and endures, showcasing her resilience.
(here's a closer look)
process
'Always'
The word "always" holds significant meaning in the relationship between Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, and is a testament to their ability to survive together. The challenges they face in the arena forge a deep connection between them, and their mutual support of each other becomes a source of strength. This shared experience contributes to the "always" aspect of their relationship.
Choosing my place
'Always' is a word that indicates significant strength, but often, in the Hunger Games trilogy, it is used in precarious, emotionally-charged moments of life or death. I wanted to choose a place that would also depict a similar feeling, and I figured that a cliff face would be perfect for it.
type and texture
(here's a closer look)
process
'Put on a show'
Survival in the Hunger Games relies not only on physical prowess but also on the ability to capture the attention and support of sponsors and viewers. Katniss understands that the audience's perception of her is crucial for securing sponsors who can provide essential supplies during the Games and begins to play to this angle; in fact most of her 'romance' with Peeta, is, at first, all part of Katniss' elaborate show for the audience.
Choosing my texture
To its audience, the Hunger games is nothing more than a spectacle, not unlike how circuses are in real life. The idea of an elaborate performance reminded me of magic shows, so I chose a downy, feather-like texture, akin to those of doves pulled from a hat during a magic performance.
(here's a closer look)
behind the scenes
process
'It's all a part of the game'
The Hunger Games, horrifying and traumatic in nature as they are, are just as their name suggests - a game, with winners and losers and everything in between, though, of course, the stakes are considerably higher, and it's real lives that hang in the balance. Contestants find themselves losing sight of who they are in their bid to stay alive - but that's it. It's all a part of the game, anyway.
Choosing my texture
I chose to use the texture of melting ice cream to show that things can change for the better or for worse - it's an analogy for the temporary and fleeting nature of certain experiences. Whatever happens, though, it's all part of a grander scheme of things at the end of it all.
final spreads
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