Process

Iconography: Two red circles form a Venn diagram behind the word two, drawing direct inspiration from the Japanese flag. The overlapping area symbolizes the author’s internal conflict between two homes and foreshadows the narrative tension within the article. The motif anchors the spread and provides an immediate visual entry point for readers.

Color: A restricted palette of red, black, and white creates a bold, cohesive aesthetic. Red highlights the iconography and references both Japanese and U.S. flag symbolism. Black grounds the composition and complements the illustration’s space background, while white type ensures high contrast and legibility across the spread.

Typography: The title and subtitle use a calligraphic typeface that references traditional Japanese brushwork. This choice reinforces cultural context while maintaining contemporary readability and a clear visual hierarchy.

Composition: Content fills the spread deliberately while preserving breathing room to avoid clutter. Body copy runs in two columns to improve readability and to allow natural text wrap around the second-page illustration. Visual elements and negative space guide the reader’s eye from the title and iconography to the article text.