Jacinda Malva Wijaya

From Why? To What If?

Bachelor of Design Publication Typography Personal History

The central concertina spread of From Why? to What If?, using expressive typography, overlapping text, and experimental textures to reveal the younger self’s suppressed emotions, frustration, and feelings left unsaid.

From Why? to What If? is a personal publication exploring the emotions, struggles, and growth of being the first daughter in a Chinese-Indonesian family. It reflects on my childhood experiences, family expectations, and unspoken feelings, showing how my perspective has shifted from questioning everything with “Why?” to understanding and acceptance through “What If?”

Through typography, storytelling, and experimental bookmaking, the publication presents two voices: my younger self and my present self. The From Why? side expresses childhood frustration and unanswered questions, while What If?focuses on reflection and personal growth. A central concertina reveals the hidden emotions and anger, becoming the narrative’s emotional turning point.

The unconventional reading direction reinforces this journey, with What If? read backwards to symbolise looking back on the past. Ultimately, the publication encourages readers to acknowledge their emotions and recognise that growing up is not always about finding answers, but learning to make peace with unanswered questions.

The To What If? spread uses poetic writing to reflect on the questions once left unanswered, the emotions once misunderstood, and the experiences that shaped her growth. It captures the gentle shift from a childhood filled with “Why?” to a deeper understanding of “What If?”, where reflection slowly turns into acceptance.

This typographic spread represents the girl through a silhouette formed by the repeated word “GIRL.” The variation in type sizes creates a sense of emotion and expression, while also reinforcing the representation of identity, growth, and the experience of being a girl.

This opening spread introduces the emotional tone of the book, giving readers a glimpse into the burdens and expectations the girl has carried from an early age. Through its minimal composition and poetic writing, it quietly reveals the weight of growing up as the eldest daughter. The highlighted text represents the words and emotions she wishes to express but cannot easily let out, reflecting the unspoken feelings she has learned to hold back because of the responsibilities and expectations placed upon her.