Littoral Narratives
Littoral Narratives is a type and publication project exploring traces found along the coast as records of contact, movement and time.
The project began with field observations of two contrasting forms: temporary footprints in sand and enduring cracks in coastal rock. These became the basis for two experimental typefaces, Driftprint and Seacleft. Driftprint uses grainy textures, irregular edges and unstable forms to reflect traces that quickly change or disappear, while Seacleft uses fractured structures and sharper lines to suggest erosion, pressure and accumulated time.
The two typefaces are brought together through a final publication. Different page scales, pacing, white space and material choices create two contrasting reading experiences within one physical object. Rather than simply presenting the typefaces as specimens, the publication explores how typography can communicate different experiences of time and environmental change.
Cover image for Littoral Narratives, showing an open spread from the final publication featuring the Driftprint typeface.
Final cover design for Littoral Narratives: Type Specimen.
Driftprint section of Littoral Narratives, developed from temporary footprints found in coastal sand.
Driftprint spread visualising the gradual disappearance of a temporary trace.
Final structure of Littoral Narratives, bringing Driftprint and Seacleft together within one publication.
Seacleft spread translating long-duration coastal traces into enlarged typographic structures.
Seacleft spread exploring erosion, repetition and traces formed over extended periods of time.
Seacleft spread exploring fractured forms derived from cracks and weathering found in coastal rock.
Back cover of the final Littoral Narratives publication.
The final publication combines different page scales to create contrasting reading experiences.