Ahi KA: 30 years | Whitireia

Designing Ahi Ka was an opportunity to visually reflect the legacy of thirty years of Visual Arts at Whitireia. My role encompassed everything from concept development to final production, ensuring that the book documented the exhibition and embodied the creativity and craftsmanship of the thirty alumni artists it celebrated.

Working in Adobe InDesign, I focused on a clean yet dynamic layout that balanced text and imagery. Typography choices were made to enhance readability while maintaining a contemporary, professional aesthetic. The page compositions were carefully structured to create a visual flow, guiding readers through the journey of Whitireia’s graduates and their artistic practices.

Photo selection and placement were crucial aspects of the design. I collaborated closely with the Whitireia team to curate images that best represented the diverse range of artistic disciplines—painting, printmaking, jewellery, carving, textiles, photography, and more. Each image was edited for consistency in tone and quality, ensuring a cohesive visual narrative throughout the book.

The printing process involved working with professional printers to achieve the right balance of colour accuracy and paper stock. We wanted a tactile feel that complemented the subject matter, making thoughtful decisions on materials that would enhance the book’s overall presentation.

From initial concepts to final production, every design choice was made with the intention of honouring the creative community at Whitireia. The result is a publication that not only archives the rich history of the Visual Arts programme but also serves as a piece of design in its own right—celebrating the very artists it showcases.