The United States of Paranoia, A Conspiracy Theory
Designer Jarrod Taylor
Publisher-Harper
Published 2013
I chose this piece because it was the first one
that I could get behind on the concept and meaning from the font used. Along
with the title and the closeness of the words, this design spoke to me. The
purpose of the design was to create organized chaos, in a sense. The designer
grouped specific ‘trigger’ or known words that have been involved conspiracy
theories to evoke paranoia and anxiousness from the viewer. The book is about
political and cultural conspiracy theories in America, and the message of each
of the words are written in a formal font and placed closely together, creating
a tightness. The sender is the author or publishing company who are reaching
out to adults, especially those who are interested in conspiracy theories or
research of. The significance of each word that is placed, have rhythm in their
placement but still feel static like an official political document. The
typography helps because if it were in say, a handwritten font it would not
have the same appeal as it does. It would not resonate the chaotic and perhaps
confidential feel that the design is doing now.
The typographic craft helps push the design of the book, due to many
people who judge a book by its cover, I believe the designer was able to get
the message of sort of a top-secret, confidential meaning that again, makes the
viewer feel rather uneasy
due to the tightness of the words.
