Grace Anne Freeman

A publication on independent film and design — Issue 01: Colour

With a highly expressive approach to the telling of raw and real stories, independent film is an art form that harbours experimental work and honours diversity, truth, and freedom. This project was created to explore the aesthetic nature of independent film, particularly in relation to design principles.

REEL is the first issue of a series of publications on independent film for a readership of designers. In each issue, I highlight how the use of composition, colour, and type are used within various films to heighten emotion, convey themes and create connections. Within each chapter, I break down the intentions behind these formal decisions for a specific film.

In the spirit of experimentation, I used various techniques to produce REEL — from collage to risograph printing to screenprinting to hand-binding. These techniques intend reflect the eccentric and multidisciplinary world of independent film. Through the publication, I hope to inspire and encourage designers to explore new ways of approaching their work by taking inspiration from other disciplines. This project was made to show my love and respect for independent film, to broaden perspectives on creativity and singularity, and to show that your art can be your story, and your truth.