In a world where stories are often digital and fleeting, I wanted to create something that lingers not just in the mind, but in the hands. My project began with a simple but powerful question: How can a story be not only read, but felt?
The Goal: A Tangible Story
The core idea was to create a poetic experience that would stay with the reader through touch, materiality, and craftsmanship. Studies show that we remember things better when we physically interact with them , like turning pages or feeling the texture of paper. I wanted to use this principle to create a story that engages through physical experience.
Concept Development
My first concept was ambitious: a fold-out poster that would reveal more of the story as it unfolded. Movement and storytelling, combined. I planned to use linocut printing to add a textured, handmade quality to the visuals.
But concept met reality. The unfolding mechanism didn’t feel smooth, and the printing process proved too slow and unpredictable. Instead of giving up, I opened the door to a new idea: a foldable book. This format gave me more freedom, to build the story step by step, page by page, and to lean into a more personal and handcrafted approach.
From Idea to Execution
Switching to a book format was a turning point. It allowed me to pace the story naturally and gave structure to the narrative and the illustrations.
Story & Illustrations
The story began with a long brainstorming session. I knew I wanted something short, poetic, and emotionally resonant. I’ve always had a soft spot for animal stories and small, meaningful anecdotes so the story became a kind of modern fable. For the visuals, I chose ink. It offers soft lines and strong contrasts, perfect for the quiet, emotional tone of the story.
Handcrafting the Book
Every part of the book was made by hand: I cut the paper myself, bound the pages using thread binding, and handwrote the text alongside the illustrations. For the cover, I used my bookbinding skills to give the book a clean, professional look. I cut the title using my digital cutting machine.
Reflection
What began as a poster evolved into a sensory storytelling experience. Each page invites the reader not just to read, but to touch, unfold, and feel. This project taught me the power of flexibility in the creative process. Letting go of the original plan allowed me to discover something more fitting and personal. In the end, I didn’t just create a story. A quiet, tactile book that tells its tale through both words and materials. This project has inspired me to focus more on this topic in my master’s thesis and to explore the subject of haptic storytelling further.
