“A Periodical”, a tabloid publication about the menstrual cycle.

‘A Periodical’ is a tabloid newspaper publication that I designed and illustrated in 2018. It depicts the different stages of the menstrual cycle through a series of hand carved collograph images. Each collograph was inspired by games, from pinball machines to checkers boards. I was also drawing inspiration from Bruno Munari’s book series on shapes, in particular the circle which is apt in this context as it symbolises wholeness, a cycle, a period/ full stop, the moon and so on.

I created each image by highlighting and removing the verbs from their original scientific context and illustrating them with very basic shapes- circles, squares and triangles. I used game elements such as implementing specific rules in my image making process to help me generate unique and unexpected images. The reference to games also serves as a visual metaphor for each of the bodily stages.

I wanted to create something that was immersive, fun and educational. Something that described the wonders of the human body by tapping into our imagination. I particularly wanted to stay away from the colour pink and artsy depictions of genitalia which are so prevalent in works around this topic, Instead I opted for a minimalistic graphic style and a non gender specific colour palette.

I was awarded the Avril V Gibb Memorial Prize for this project.