A Journey to the Underworld and Back
This book is a combination of my deep interest in anthropology, art history and design. In 2019 I teamed up with the N.G.O “STEPS” in Chiapas, Mexico to create this digitally illustrated, neon-saturated visual journey of the Mayan creation myth; The Popol Vuh.
After extensively traveling through Mexico and Central America, I teamed up with the NGO ‘STEPS’ to archive, preserve and create illustrated books based on Mayan folklore for educational purposes. The team and I would visit villages hours into the forests and interview the village elders. We would then create story books for the local kids based on the traditional tales we archived. These books gave the local children the opportunity to learn Spanish while engaging them with their own rich ancestral past now at the brink of extinction. I had the honor to offer my skills as a professional graphic designer and illustrator for the creation of this book as well as other short stories for the NGO.
The Brief
Write and illustrate a short story book summarizing “The Popol Vuh” in a manner that incorporates traditional and archeological iconography. The book would be sold to patrons visiting the center.
The Challenge
Synthesizing traditional textures, colors, iconography and history into the individual drawings . Producing and formatting the book to meet publishing standards.
What I Did
- Wrote the book by summarizing ancient texts
- Researched traditional Mayan iconography
- Illustrated the drawing by hand and on Adobe Illustrator
- Produced, formatted and published the book
The Solution
I was heavily inspired by the neon textiles of contemporary Quiche culture which when mixed with the historical iconography, gave the entire story book a high vibrancy, futuristic spin. I also managed to self publish the book on Amazon for purchases.
THE PROCESS
Step 1
Explore local myths
We picked the Mayan creation myth (The Popol Vuh) which was fortunately recored by Dominican friar Francisco Ximenez in the 1500’s. It is the oldest and one of the most colorful stories of the ancient Maya. This story sets the stage for all mayan iconography allowing patrons to contextualized Mayan folklore.
Step 2
Research Mayan Folk Art
Mayan folk art is composed of neon geometric and symmetric shapes. From textile patterns and churches to bright colors that fill the markets, it’s no doubt that neons are iconic of contemporary Mayan culture.
Step 3
Sketch Prototypes
I researched and used ancient mayan artifacts as historical references to base characters and environments on. I then I began sketching drafts that summarized the main points of the story I had identified in step 1.
Step 4
Produce Images in Adobe Illustrator
After narrowing down the sketches for each scene, I transferred them over to adobe illustrator. This Is where I introduced the colors and textures from my initial research.
Step 5
Layout in Adobe Indesign
I used Adobe Indesign to layout the entire book and place the text, drawings and graphic design elements ensuring the specs met the standards for Amazon KDP self publishing.
Step 6
Publish on Amazon KDP.
The files were prepped to the specs specified by the publishing standards and the book was now live and available to the public for purchase.
