This project was created in collaboration with Woamy, as part of the Luova Lämpiö research project at Aalto University. I was invited to develop a creative concept based on my artistic perspective on Woamy’s biofoam.
The BOOK of TEXTURES is a creative exploration of the visual and sensorial possibilities of Woamy’s biofoam. I approached the project through a mix of techniques, such as stamping, graphic design, photography, layout design, print, and bookbinding; resulting in a multi-disciplinary, mixed-media outcome. These are the mediums I feel most comfortable working with as a creative professional, and my creative approach often involves blending them, setting my work apart from that of a traditional graphic designer or photographer.
This visual experimentation was directly inspired by my interaction with Woamy’s biofoam and the potential I saw in its sensorial properties: how it feels, how it sounds, and how it looks. I wanted these qualities to drive my creative process.
To bring this concept to life, I centered my exploration around textures, specifically by stamping the foam’s surface patterns onto paper with ink. I conducted a three-hour session where I intuitively experimented with the foam samples provided by Woamy, along with ink and paper. This resulted in four A3 sheets filled with organic, stamped patterns.
Once dry, I scanned the sheets and refined them in post-production, adjusting lighting, contrast, and digitally removing the background. This allowed me to build a library of visual assets. However, while the assets showed strong potential, they lacked structure and narrative. Therefore, the next step was to shape them into a cohesive story.
I chose the zine format as my storytelling framework, structuring the work into a traditional 16-page section (commonly used by zine-makers). The design process was carried out across Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign, with careful attention to every page and detail. While the experimental phase embraced spontaneity and chance, the layout design was intentional and precise.
Once the layout was finalized, I carefully selected a combination of papers for printing and bound the zines by hand using traditional bookbinding tools and thread.
My goal was to create a minimalist, airy, and elegant design that highlights the beauty of the textures and sparks new visual possibilities for Woamy’s brand identity. While the zine maintains a cohesive flow, each page aims to present something unique and inspiring.
Ultimately, The BOOK of TEXTURES is a project that merges art and design, balancing self-expression with intentional, structured design. It is an ode to nature and a sustainable future, showcasing the potential of a transformative innovative product.
