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red star
Wendy Red Star is a remarkable Apsaalooke artist from the Montana reservation whose work spans photography, painting, beadwork, and more, all deeply rooted in Crow culture.
Mandate
I was tasked with designing a publication to accompany her latest exhibition. This book needed to showcase the full range of her work and be available in both a printed format for the gift shop and as an immersive ebook within a mobile app.
Design Thinking
The name "Wendy Red Star" itself has a powerful presence. It evokes a sense of visual imagery and immediate recognition. I was deeply inspired by Red Star's unwavering dedication to her cultural work, especially given the challenges she faced early in her career. She was even told, "identity-based work is dead" during her studies. Looking at series like her "White Squaw" work, it's clear she has a strong, distinctive character, and I wanted to really nail that tone in the book's design.
Design Making
I chose to have "Red Star" in bold, large typography, reminiscent of how a prominent figure might be referred to by their last name in articles or other publications. This "Red Star" became a recurring visual motif throughout the book, influencing the style of chapter titles and even the home button on the ebook app. The book features a half-jacket, revealing a striking, repeating image of her face—a photograph of one of her 3D artworks—on the hardcover itself. When I came across it, I knew instantly it was perfect for the cover image.
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The half-jacket partially obscures the image, creating a sense of intrigue and drawing the reader in. It stops just below her eyes, intensifying her gaze and reflecting the evocative nature of her art.
