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(Archive) Offgrid

A DIY proposal for Creating an Alternative Color Harmony Model

This project was part of DDW 2022
Novo Typo Color Harmony Model — © Novo Typo

Mark van Wageningen / Novo Typo present its return to the three fundamental elements of analogue graphic design: letters, ink and paper. The Offgrid Color Harmony Models is a reflection on on how to destandardize and autonomize graphic design in order to be truly self-sufficient.

Can graphic designers design their own color system? Can graphic designers be self-sufficient?

Novo Typo Color Harmony Model
The Color Harmony Models are designed as an alternative color system for industrialized models using plant- and mineral based pigments and upcycled paper.

Based on the core idea that a typographic design studio that designs and produces its own letters should also be able to make its own ink and paper. Novo Typo Offgrid shows how we can produce our own locally sourced plant- and mineral based inks, in order to create our own color harmony model.
On the background of this exercise lies the need to face a global overly complex system of production, supply chains and restrictive industrial standards, that have shown their dangerous disruptive effects.

The Novo Typo Offgrid project is designed and produced during the lockdown and is executed within close proximity to Novo Typo’s Amsterdam studio. The designed products; Offgrid Color Harmony Models and Amsterdam Pulp Paper are available for purchase. The entire project is documented in the book Novo Typo Offgrid.

Info Novo Typo Offgrid Color Harmony Model

Novo Typo Offgrid Color Harmony Model (2022) consists out of limited edition of unique prints (size 25 x 19 cm) numbered and signed by Mark van Wageningen. Letterpress printing on handmade paper with handmade ink and framed in a handmade plywood box.

Novo Typo Offgrid Expo — © Novo Typo

Novo Typo Color Harmony Frames — © Novo Typo

Novo Typo Color Harmony Frames — © Novo Typo

Novo Typo Offgrid Cabinet